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| Southeast Asia |
| Casualties mount in heavy fighting against Abu Sayyaf |
| 2014-11-16 |
| At least 15 people were killed in heavy fighting between the Philippine military and the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu over the weekend. Nearly 100 ground troops with helicopter support engaged some 300 Abu Sayyaf militants in Talipao town on Sulu. Six soldiers and nine Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed. The military had 26 wounded while the Abu Sayyaf had three. Colonel Allan Arrojado said, "This is a major encounter. We are tracking the Abu Sayyaf’s whereabouts and pursuing them." On Friday, scout rangers backed by attack helicopters engaged the Abu Sayyaf members in a five-hour gun battle. The rebels were led by sub-commanders Radullah Sahiron, Hatib Sawadjaan, Juilie Ekit, and Hairula Asbang. One of the dead militants was identified as Beting Jakka, brother in law of Sahiron. Jakka's death was confirmed by his wife, according to the military. Another casualty was named as Allih, a student at Mindanao State University. On Nov. 3 in Basilan, local officials led by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman proclaimed an all-out war on the Abu Sayyaf after the militants ambushed government troops, killing six soldiers. |
| Posted by:ryuge |