The Deployment of Canadian Ground Troops in Afghanistan

January 7, 2002

The government announced today that Canada is sending approximately 750 Canadian Forces members to Afghanistan as part of Operation APOLLO, the Canadian contribution to the U.S.-led coalition campaign against terrorism.

This will make Canada the fourth largest contributor to the international campaign against terrorism, with close to 3,000 Canadian Forces troops since last October.

These soldiers are members of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) Battle Group. They will deploy to Kandahar (Afghanistan) as part of a U.S. Army task force by mid-February.

Once in theatre, the 3 PPCLI will help carry out a range of operations, including potential combat operations to destroy residual Taliban and Al Q’aida forces; security in the Kandahar area; sensitive site exploration (such as abandoned Al Q’aida training camps); and support to humanitarian assistance operations at the Kandahar airport.

Everyone is acutely aware of the risks involved in this mission. However, Canada’s troops are trained, equipped and ready to carry out their important tasks.

Canada’s expertise is valued by the U.S. and our other allies, and it is the reason why Canada has been asked to participate in this important coalition mission.

3 PPCLI Battle Group is a light, fully mobile force designed to respond quickly to overseas missions, making it well suited for evolving operations. It is equipped with Coyote light armoured reconnaissance vehicles, which include high-tech surveillance and long-range detection systems.

The Battle Group will join approximately 1,700 Canadian Forces members already deployed in South West Asia and is expected to operate in the region for up to six months.

The Canadian battle group’s operations will complement the work of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by contributing to the pursuit of their common objective of helping the Afghan people restore peace and stability to their country.