Operation FRICTION

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Operation FRICTION was the Canadian Forces military operation contribution of 4,500 troops to the Gulf War of 1991. The Canadian military also ordered two destroyers: HMCS Terra Nova and HMCS Athabaskan to enforce the trade blockade against Iraq at the time. The supply ship HMCS Protecteur was also sent to aid the gathering coalition forces.

After the UN authorized full use of force in the operation, Canada sent two CF-18 squadrons with support personnel. Canada also setup a field hospital to deal with casualties from the ground war. When the air war began, Canada's planes were integrated into the coalition force and provided air cover and attacked ground targets. This was the first time since the Korean War that Canadian forces had participated in offensive combat operations.

Canada suffered no casualties during the conflict but since its end many veterans have complained of suffering from Gulf War syndrome.