The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East between the United States and Iran, which ratcheted up on Thursday after suspected attacks on two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran has denied involvement.

While Baghdad may be basking in its battlefield success for now, relying on military might will not be enough in the longer term.

Talks between the Iraqi government and representatives of its Kurdish population in the north are "going well," says Canada's defence minister, but Canada has no plans to take sides.