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Seven killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf
[Bangkok Post] A military assault against Islamic militants on a remote southern island of the Philippines sparked a day-long battle on Wednesday that left five militants and two soldiers dead. The military said it used artillery and helicopter gunships as they continued a months-long offensive to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf. Ensign Chester Ramos said, "Our operations are now intended to totally eliminate the lawless element." He said local security forces last year "polished" their plans to launch a series of attacks against the group starting in December. A "battalion-sized unit" of soldiers were involved in Wednesday's clash with about 300 Abu Sayyaf fighters, according to the military's public affairs chief in Manila, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc. In the Philippines, about 500 troops typically make up a battalion. Cabunoc said, "We are on the offense... we ambushed them. It is a running gun battle," adding the fighting started in the morning and continued throughout the day. He said five Islamit militants were killed but two soldiers died as well, and nine others were injured. The fighting took place near Patikul town on Jolo, a heavily forested island that has been a longtime Abu Sayyaf stronghold. Posted by: ryuge 2015-02-26 |
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