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Philippines military: 4 Abu Sayyaf militants die in clash with Moro rebels
 [UPI] Four Abu Sayyaf...also known as al-Harakat al-Islamiyya, an Islamist terror group based in Jolo, Basilan and Zamboanga. Since its inception in the early 1990s, the group has carried out bombings, kidnappings, murders, head choppings, and extortion in their uniquely Islamic attempt to set up an independent Moslem province in the Philippines. Abu Sayyaf forces probably number less than 300 cadres. The group is closely allied with remnants of Indonesia's Jemaah Islamiya and has loose ties with MILF and MNLF who sometimes provide cannon fodder... Lions of Islam died in a battle with members of the Moro National Liberation Front early Tuesday in the Philippines' southern province of Sulu, military officials said. The encounter occurred on Jolo Island during ongoing talks between Abu Sayyaf and the one-time rebel group for the release of seven hostages, a military front man said. Maj. Felimon Tan, front man of the Armed Forces of the Western Mindanao Command, said in a statement that Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Alhabsy Misaya fought with MNLF fighters in Kalingalang Caluang where some hostages are being kept. Tan said the MNLF operation and its efforts against the Abu Sayyaf were not sanctioned by the military. However, it's easy to be generous with someone else's money... he said, the military backs help maintaining peace in the province. The MNLF said it killed Jennor Lahab, also known as Cmdr. Jim Dragon, and his son. Other Abu Sayyaf members have yet to be identified. The four men's bodies were brought to the village of Punjungan for their families to claim. Posted by: Fred 2016-08-10 |
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