Attack on military base in Kuwait: Canadian defence minister's statement in controversy

 

 

Defence Minister David McGuinty's statement about the Iranian airstrike on a Canadian military camp in Kuwait is controversial. The minister has corrected his previous statement that he first learned about the attack in March when the newspaper 'La Presse' reported it. In a explanatory note released on Thursday, the minister clarified that he first learned about the attack not through a newspaper report, but through an official briefing given by government officials.

In response to a question from reporters during a press conference in Kitchener, the minister had earlier said that he learned about the information when he saw the newspaper report. He came out with the correction after this sparked a major political debate. Quebec newspaper 'La Presse' reported on March 12 that the Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait had been damaged. The report was based on an analysis of satellite images. The minister said in a new statement that he receives regular security briefings and is immediately informed by officials about such incidents that affect the safety of Canadian troops around the world.

He added that he was referring to media reports at the press conference, not the attack. The minister's contradictory statements on a serious issue related to the security of Canadian military assets have drawn criticism from the opposition.