[Anadolu] Abu Sayyaf militants killed four members of a rebel group in the Philippines' Muslim south Friday, as a military offensive against the Daesh-linked rebels. Reports say that Abu Sayyaf gunmen attacked a camp of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the island province of Sulu. The fatalities included four MNLF militants and an Abu Sayyaf rebel.The attack comes after the Abu Sayyaf issued statements threatening to launch attacks on military camps and communities in Sulu after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered troops to intensify operations against them.
MNLF militants have been known to play a role in efforts opposing the Abu Sayyaf, the group's commitment increasing after Duterte reached out to include the indigenous Moro front in the ongoing peace process. Last month, four Abu Sayyaf rebels died after a gun battle with MNLF militants in Kalingalang Caluang, Sulu.
The four MNLF militants killed Friday were reported to be from the faction of the group's fugitive founder Nur Misuari, who earlier this year began negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf that resulted in the rebels' release of 14 Indonesian sailors.