Conservative defense critic James Bezan criticized the Liberal government for not disclosing a reported Iranian missile strike on an airbase in Kuwait where Canadian Armed Forces members are stationed. La Presse newspaper reported on Thursday that the Canadian section at the Ali Al-salem Air Base showed damage from the March 1 attack, based on satellite imagery analysis. No Canadian military personnel were harmed.
Bezan expressed disappointment in the lack of transparency from the government in informing Canadians about the impact of the war. The Liberal government held a debate in Parliament about the Iran conflict on Monday but did not mention the attack or any damage to the Kuwait base.
The Department of National Defense (DND) took a week to respond to inquiries about the airstrike, stating that they do not disclose such information due to operational security reasons. DND spokesperson Lt. Pamela Hogan confirmed that Canadian military personnel in the region are safe and accounted for.
Bezan contrasted Canada’s approach with that of its allies like the United States, criticizing the government for being overly secretive. Prime Minister Mark Carney, when asked about the strikes, emphasized the safety of Canadian forces and Canada’s non-involvement in offensive actions.
Defense Minister David McGuinty and Chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan participated in a cabinet meeting, but did not address reporters’ questions. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand mentioned her lack of information on the attack but confirmed that all personnel are safe. She also announced plans to travel abroad to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
Canada currently has around 200 military personnel stationed at six different locations in the Middle East.
