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| Southeast Asia |
| Janjalani, JI leaders hiding near Patikul |
| 2006-06-08 |
| The leader of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group and two Indonesian suspects of the deadly 2002 Bali bombings have been sighted recently on southern Jolo island but could not launch attacks because of logistical problems, officials said Monday. Khadaffy Janjalani and the two Indonesian militants -- Dulmatin, who goes by one name, and Umar Patek -- may be plotting to attack American and Philippine troops on Jolo but they have been constantly distracted by US-backed offensives, two Philippine military officials told reporters on condition of anonymity because they're not authorized to talk to the media. The militants also have run low on ammunition and other weapons, one of the officials said. US Pacific commander Admiral William Fallon flew under heavy guard to Jolo Monday to visit American troops, including those aboard the US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy, who were providing medical help to hundreds of impoverished villagers. The humanitarian mission bolsters Washington's efforts to improve its image in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries deemed crucial in the global war on terror. Janjalani and the Indonesian militants have taken refuge in Jolo's vast mountainous heartland near Patikul town -- a rebel stronghold under control of Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed Abu Sayyaf commander also wanted by Washington, the military officials said. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |