Fighting raged between terrorists militants and security forces on a southern Philippine island where al Qaeda-linked militants are active, a top Filipino military official said Tuesday. At least 11 people died, including three marines, a police officer, four civilians and three militants, according to Western Mindanao Command regional military commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino.
Dolorfino said about 25 suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group disguised in police and military uniforms launched attacks in Isabela City, the capital of the island of Basilan. The terrorists militants carried out blasts near a church, a sports center and judge's house, and they traded gun fire with security forces.
Dolorfino said terrorists militants appeared to have been planning "something big" and believes security forces may have foiled a major attack. He said the terrorists militants may have been using explosives as a diversion to carry out a high-profile kidnapping. There were no immediate reports of any kidnappings, however.
Two suspected terrorists militants were injured and five more were captured. Authorities were interrogating them. Troops are on the hunt for remaining terrorists militants that have fled the city. |