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| Southeast Asia |
| Key Abu Sayyaf leaders believed killed, says report |
| 2017-03-22 |
| [FREEMALAYSIATODAY] PETALING JAYA: Intelligence sources in the Philippines have revealed that many key leaders of terror group 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... were killed in recent operations by the military, The Star reported. While no information has been given by the Philippines as to the identities of those who were killed, sources said that among the dead were known gunnies involved in the beheading of hostages. Previously, the Philippine military had announced the death of Buchoy Hassan, also known as Black or Bocoi. The military said Bocoi was one of 30 Abu Sayyaf members killed in military operations against the gunnies believed to have beheaded kidnap victims. Among their victims was Sarawakian Bernard Thien, the first Malaysian hostage to have been beheaded by the kidnap-for-ransom group. Thien was killed on Jolo island on Nov 17, 2015. However, there is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened... sources believe other Abu Sayyaf leaders such as Idang Susukan and Majan Sahidjuan, also known as Apo Mike, were also killed, with many others on the run, according to The Star. Apo Mike and Idang are among 23 Filipino nationals who were previously reported to be on the Eastern Sabah Security Command’s (Esscom) wanted list. Those on the run include Alhabsi Misaya and Muamar Askali, or Abu Rami, the report said. Abu Rami is believe to be the group’s negotiator for the release of hostages. Anti-kidnapping activist Professor Octavio Dinampo told the daily that Atai, an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander, had also been killed along with his wife and that of Idang. "It is becoming more difficult for the gunnies. There has been no let up in the offensive and they have to be on the move constantly," he told The Star in a telephone interview. |
| Posted by:Fred |