Authorities said that five Norwegian military officers will be sent to the US to help with the US-led coalition against the Islamic State; the officers will be engaged in planning, most likely for the training of security forces. Noting that Norway has not yet decided the extent of its full contribution to the coalition, Defense Minister Soreide indicated that Norway will not help Syria fight against the IS. Norwegian intelligence said in August that up to 60 Norwegians have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the IS, and that 10 were killed there and about 20 have returned home.
