Canadian soldier dies in Iraq under 'non-operational related circumstances'

The Canadian Armed Forcesis investigating the death of a Winnipeg-based soldier who was stationedin Iraq.

Capt. Eric Cheung, 38,died Saturday under non-operational-related circumstances in Baghdad, a news release from theDepartment of National Defence said.

No further details about the circumstances of the death will be made available until the investigation is complete, the release said.

"Our thoughts are with Capt. Cheung's family and friends. The Canadian Armed Forces are supporting Captain Cheung's loved ones with assistance during these challenging times," the DND release said.

The family has requested that their privacy be respected.

Cheung had been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces since 2009, most recently as an operations officer with 38 Canadian BrigadeGroup headquarters, based in Winnipeg.

He wasin Baghdad as part of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, a militant groupfighting to establish an Islamist state, when he died.

Canada has had troops in Iraq since 2014, when ISIS first captured a large swath of territory and declared an Islamic caliphate.

Cheung was part of theCanadian Armed Forces'contribution toOperation IMPACTin support of the global coalition.

Canada has been steadily scaling back its presence in the region over the years, with only a handful of military personnel remaining in the country as other priorities have emerged.