Canada to extend anti-IS mission, strike targets in Syria

TORONTO - Canada's prime minister will announce a one-year extension of its military mission against the Islamic State group and expand it to include air strikes on targets in Syria.

A senior government official confirmed the details Monday night and said Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make the announcement in Parliament Tuesday morning.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. Harper had said he'll provide details about extending and expanding the mission this week. It's due to expire in April.

Canada has 69 special forces soldiers training Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq. The mission also includes six CF-18 fighter jets, a refueling tanker aircraft, two surveillance planes and one airlift aircraft. About 600 airmen and airwomen are based in Kuwait.