The Canadian Armed Forces have begun their annual exercises in the Northwest Territories, TASS reports, citing Canada's Department of National Defense.

Operation Nunakput 2017 is taking place from June 26 to July 18, 2017. According to the Defense Department, the exercise will involve employees from other government departments and agencies, including the RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

This year's operation takes place around Great Slave Lake, along the Mackenzie River, at Hay River, and on the Nahanni River.

"Operation Nunakput 2017 consists of a series of maritime and safety patrols, water and ground reconnaissance, survival training, and a disaster preparation assessment. The Canadian Armed Forces regularly conduct operations and exercises in the North to exercise Canadian sovereignty and to maintain a visible and persistent regional presence," the statement says.

A group of about 140 Canadian Armed Forces members and employees from other government departments and agencies will take part in Operation Nunakput 2017.