US and Norway have launched a de-mining initiative to clear parts of Iraq and Syria from explosives planted by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), the US Department of State said on Wednesday.  US intends to provide an additional $10.8 million this year to clear portions of Iraq liberated from IS occupation and spend up to $8 million next year to do the same in liberated portions of Syria, Sputnik reported, citing the statement.

Norway will allocate $9.8 million for mine action in 2016, with a particular focus on aiding Iraq and Syria. Oslo plans to increase its financial support for global de-mining by $15 million in 2017.

Polish F-16 aircraft could take part in a fact-finding mission against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) before the July NATO summit in Warsaw, according to Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz. The move will be Poland’s contribution to the international coalition that is fighting against Islamist militants, Radio Poland said. The Polish president will take the final decision on the country’s mission in the Middle East.