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| Southeast Asia |
| Best soldiers, equipment to be used vs Abu Sayyaf |
| 2017-01-23 |
| [MALAYA.PH] ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año told ground commanders in Sulu to display their "highest degree of commandership" as he relayed his new timeline of six months within which to defeat the lawless 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... group. Año issued the call during a visit of military units in Sulu, an Abu Sayyaf bailiwick, on Wednesday last week, Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP’s public affairs office, said yesterday. Arevalo said Año also vowed to put the "best officers, enlisted personnel, and equipment" on the ground to accomplish the mission. Año’s predecessor, now retired Gen. Ricardo Visaya, also aimed to defeat the Abu Sayyaf during his term but failed. Asked if additional forces will be deployed to Sulu, Arevalo said there is no need because there are enough soldiers on the ground. There are about 7,500 soldiers operating in Sulu. There are some 300 to 400 Abu Sayyaf men operating in Sulu and Basilan ...Basilan is a rugged, jungle-covered island in the southern Philippines. It is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, bandidos, and maybe even orcs. Most people with any sense travel with armed escorts... , according to the military. Año set the new deadline last January 6. He also wants the other lawless groups ‐ the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters ...a MILF splinter group aligned with the Islamic State... -- ended in six months. Arevalo said Año gave "inputs" on how to end the Abu Sayyaf to Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. He declined to elaborate as he said these are operational in nature. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 Message to Abu Sayyaf: Jesus is coming. |
| Posted by: Grunter 2017-01-23 14:38 |