New Zealand won’t send troops to Iraq

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand

New Zealand said today that it won’t send combat troops to Iraq to directly fight the Islamic State group but it could send military personnel to help train Iraqi forces behind the front lines.

Prime Minister John Key made the comments during a speech on national security in which he addressed the Pacific Island nation’s response to the threat posed by the extremist group.

He said government agencies have a watch list of between 30 and 40 New Zealanders who are engaged in extremist behavior related to the Islamic State group.

He said some have traveled to Syria to participate in fighting; others have tried but have had their passports canceled; and others are funding terrorism.

He said a further 30 to 40 people who weren’t on the watch list needed further investigation.