Canada says fighter jets make first strike against Islamic State

A Canadian F-18 Hornet fighter jet lands while another prepares to take off from the Italian-American NATO air base in Aviano in this October 12, 1998 file photo. Canadian fighter jets have made their first combat strike since joining the campaign against Islamic State fighters in Iraq on Oct 30, 2014, Canada's Defense Minister said on Sunday. [Photo/Agencies]

TORONTO - Canadian fighter jets have made their first combat strike since joining a campaign against Islamic State fighters in Iraq last month, Canada's defence minister said on Sunday.

Two Canadian CF-18 jets attacked Islamic State targets with laser guided bombs in the vicinity of Fallujah, Iraq in a four-hour mission before returning safely to base, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson said in a statement.

"Today's strike demonstrates our government's firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism and to stand with our allies," the statement said, adding more information will be provided during a media briefing on Nov 4.

Canada's Conservative government early last month announced Canadian fighter jets would take part in US-led air strikes against Islamic State militants operating in Iraq for up to six months.