Combat mission against ISIS for Canada in Iraq: Things to know about it

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a combat mission against ISIS for Canada in Iraq on Friday. (3rd October 2014)

Here are the few informations about the mission:

1. Canada is sending up to 10 aircraft and 600 personnel: The Prime Minister's Office said that Canada's contribution will include one CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refuelling aircraft, two CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft, one dedicated airlift aircraft for refuelling, air surveillance and transportation, and up to six CF-18 Hornet fighter jets. There will be about 280 aircrew and other personnel to support the Polaris, Aurora and airlift planes, and another 320 aircrew and personnel for the fighter jets.
2. There's a deadline on the mission: The government initially offered up to 69 military advisers for 30 days, of which they said 26 were on the ground this week. That pledge has been extended, but the Canadian contribution has a six-month limit.
3. Canadians will attack by air, not land
4. Air combat over Syria is an option: Harper pledged to strike ISIS "where — and only where — Canada has the clear support of the government of that country." That doesn't include Syria right now, he said, but Canada would expand its airstrikes to include Syria if that changes.
5. Harper doesn't expect to eliminate ISIS
6. Under the government motion to be debated Monday, MPs are asked to support the government’s decision “to contribute Canadian military assets to the fight against ISIL, and terrorists allied with ISIL, including air strike capability for a period of up to six months.” The motion also says Canada “will not deploy troops in ground combat operations.”