Army soldier killed in clash with jihadists in Philippines

MARAWI CITY - An army soldier was killed in a clash with jihadists on Wednesday in the town of Butig in Lanao del Sur province in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted in the village called Sandab after troops ran into a huge group of fighters under Abdullah Maute and a firefight ensued. The identity of the slain soldier was not released by security officials, although they said the operations  against Maute's group is continuing in Butig.

“An armed confrontation ensued, resulting in the death of a soldier and wounding of another. The operation is ongoing. The military continues to conduct operations to neutralize local terrorists operating in the province of Lanao del Sur,” said Army Major Filemon Tan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

There was no report of casualties on the side of the jihadists, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. (Mindanao Examiner)

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