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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Netherlands' Defense Ministry announced Thursday that a serving member of the Dutch air force may have traveled to Syria to join the Islamic State group.
The ministry released little information about the case, saying only that it was a 26-year-old air force sergeant who has now been suspended from service. It said the suspect's access to "information, systems and military sites" had been revoked.
"The case is currently being investigated by the Public Prosecutor," the ministry said. "The defense ministry will of course investigate any risks or damage associated with the sergeant's position and takes any necessary and appropriate measures."
Dutch military authorities are investigating radicalization within the ranks. They stressed that traveling overseas to join IS is a crime in the Netherlands. The case would mark the first time a serving member of the Dutch armed forces has gone to Syria to join IS.
Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert said in a statement it is "unpleasant if it turns out that somebody has joined up with evil while colleagues risk their lives for other people's freedom."
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