BRUSSELS — NATO top brass are recommending that the military alliance join the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group.
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that NATO do more to combat terrorism.
NATO Military Committee head Gen. Petr Pavel said Wednesday that "there is a merit for NATO becoming a member of that coalition."
Pavel said armed forces chiefs agreed "that NATO can and should do more" to increase the capacity of Iraq and other countries fighting IS to better defend themselves.
A general view during a meeting of NATO's chiefs of defense at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
Photo Credit: Virginia Mayo/AP
NATO's role could include training local forces and helping to build militaries and institutions.
NATO countries do not want the alliance engaged in active combat against Islamic State militants, even though all are individual members of the anti-ISIS coalition.
Trump is scheduled to meet NATO leaders in Brussels next week.
