An internal combustion engine comprises a hydrocarbon feed valve (15) arranged in an engine exhaust passage and a booster pump (60) for boosting an injection pressure of the hydrocarbon feed valve (15). The hydrocarbon feed valve (15) performs NOX removal injection and clogging prevention injection. A boosting action of the injection pressure by the booster pump (60) and the NOX removal injection are controlled so that the boosting action of the injection pressure by the booster pump (60) and the NOX removal injection are not performed simultaneously, and the boosting action of the injection pressure by the booster pump (60) and said clogging prevention injection are allowed to be performed simultaneously.