Canada conducts first airstrike in Syria

Canadian armed forces conducted their first airstrike in Syria since the government expanded the scope of its military mission against Islamic State last month, Canada's Defence Department said on Wednesday.

"This first airstrike under the expanded mandate demonstrates our government's firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism against Canada and to promote international security and stability," Defence Minister Jason Kenney said in a statement. Two Canadian CF-18s were involved in the airstrike against an Islamic State garrison near Ar-Raqqah, Syria, the government said. Ten coalition aircraft were involved, including six from the United States.

In March, Canadian legislators voted to expand the mission by a year and to allow for the bombing of militants in Syria.

Canada has around 70 special forces troops in northern Iraq and six Canadian jets are taking part in U.S.-led bombing attacks against Islamic State in Iraq.