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Two suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels killed by army
(AKI) - Government troops on Monday killed two Muslim militants in the southern Philippines suspected of belonging to the Al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf militant group. The clash occurred in Akbar, in Basilan province, when troops encountered militants while searching for three kidnapped aid workers and a nine-year-old boy allegedly being held by Abu Sayyaf. Five marines were wounded on Monday in clashes on the southern island of Jolo, where the Filipino authorities believe the hostages are being held captive. The three Red Cross workers, Italian citizen Eugenio Vagni, Swiss national Andreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba were abducted on the island last month after visiting a local prison. The firefight on Jolo began when Abu Sayyaf bandits fired at soldiers in the village of Barangay, the Philippines army public information chief, Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said in a statement, quoted by GMA News. Troops are putting mounting pressure on the kidnappers to release the Red Cross workers. Media reports gave no information about the nine-year-old boy. Sixteen of surrounding Sulu province's 19 mayors have signed a pledge to help secure the hostages' release, GMA News said. They also condemned "in the strongest terms" the actions of Abu Sayyaf and other militant groups operating in the region. Abu Sayyaf, which means "bearer of the sword" is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States. Filipino authorities have linked the group to a spate of kidnappings and killings in Sulu and Basilan provinces. Abu Sayyaf has reportedly demanded a ransom of up to 10 million dollars for the release of the Red Cross workers, who were kidnapped on 15 January. Posted by: Fred 2009-02-11 |
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