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| Southeast Asia |
| Bombing leads to clash with BIFF militants |
| 2014-06-06 |
| Following a bomb attack Thursday in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao that left a soldier dead, Philippine troops pursued suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Lt. Col. Donald Hongitan said that troops engaged suspected BIFF militants in a firefight in several villages in Datu Unsay. No casualties were reported among government troops, but Hongitan said there was information that two BIFF militants were injured. He said the militants were forced to retreat, but pursuit operations were still ongoing. BIFF spokesperson Abu Missry Mama, meanwhile, said in a text message that the group will investigate who was behind the bombing. Col. Dickson Hermoso earlier said troops were on their way from Camp Omar to battalion headquarters in Datu Unsay when an improvised explosive device went off. The military truck's driver was killed, while three others were injured. Camp Omar was used as BIFF headquarters under the self-declared leadership of 105th Base Commander Ameril Umbra Kato before they were forced to leave after military operations against them in 2012. Hermoso said troops believe the IED was meant for soldiers who pass by the area. Around three weeks ago, a blast occurred on a bridge in Datu Unsay which left several soldiers wounded. |
| Posted by:ryuge |