A device for controlling an internal combustion engine comprises a device for trapping particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas in an exhaust passage, means for supplying ozone to the particulate matter trapping device from the upstream thereof to oxidize and remove PM deposited in the device, and means for interrupting the fuel injection of the internal combustion engine upon the execution of ozone supply by the ozone supply means. It is possible to prevent components consuming ozone, such as NOx, from being contained in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, whereby ozone is effectively usable.