WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is welcoming Canada’s decision to provide fighter aircraft and other support for the coalition effort to thwart Islamic State militants in Iraq.

Canada’s Parliament authorized airstrikes against the militant group for up to six months. The vote Tuesday followed a request by President Barack Obama to join the international effort.

In a statement late Tuesday, the White House said the U.S. is also grateful for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft provided by Canada as the coalition seeks to destroy Islamic State forces that control largest swaths of Iraq and neighboring Syria.

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