Counterterrorism

Canada's electronic spy service to take more prominent role in ISIS fight

The Communications Security Establishment, Canada's electronic spy service, is set to play a more prominent role in the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, The Canadian Press has learned.

Multiple sources familiar with the plans, speaking on condition of anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the matter, say the government is deploying a capability that only a "handful of countries" in the world can provide.

CSE is part of the so-called "Five Eyes" community, along with the U.S. National Security Agency — the NSA.

CSE spokesman Ryan Foreman acknowledged the agency is helping the Canadian Armed Forces under the umbrella of Operation Impact, the name of Canada's anti-ISIL mission in the Middle East, but refused to discuss specifics.

"While we are proud of our contributions to CAF's missions, CSE is obligated to respect the Security of Information Act, and cannot address specific operational questions," Foreman said.