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Six Canadian warplanes departed for the Iraq combat mission Tuesday as this country joins the air campaign against Islamic State militants. The CF-18s left from Cold Lake, Alta., and are heading to Kuwait, where Canada’s base of operations for the mission is located.

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A pilot positions a CF-18 Hornet at the CFB Cold Lake, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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Military personnel guide a CF-18 Hornet into position at the CFB Cold Lake, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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Military personnel prepare for the departure of CF-18 Hornets in support of Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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Pilots make their way to their planes before the departure of CF-18 Hornets in support of Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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A pilot takes off during the departure of CF-18 Hornets in support of Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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CF-18 Hornets fly in formation on their the departure for Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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CF-18 Hornets fly in formation on their the departure for Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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A pilot takes off during the departure of CF-18 Hornets in support of Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

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