BRUSSELS: US Secretary of State John Kerry says NATO members stand ready to step up military efforts against the Islamic State. Kerry says he asked foreign ministers from the 27 other members of the alliance to do more to strike at IS' core in Iraq and Syria and strangle its international networks. He says several countries are bringing more to the battle or will do soon. Speaking Wednesday at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Kerry didn't outline any new commitments specifically. Germany recently approved sending forces and materiel for non-combat support roles near the Middle East. A British vote is expected later Wednesday on expanding that country's airstrikes against IS into Syria. Kerry said other countries would come forward with new plans after further discussions at home.