6 Sayyafs killed, 8 soldiers wounded in fresh Sulu clash (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

SULU – Security forces killed at least 6 Abu Sayyaf terrorists in a clash that left 8 soldiers wounded in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where the military mounted fresh assault against the pro-ISIS group, officials said Thursday.

Troops engaged the gunmen in a battle late Wednesday in Latih village in Patikul town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the bodies of the slain Abu Sayyaf militants and the close-up pictures of 2 gunmen.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force-Sulu, said they recovered 3 bodies and he identified them as Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar Said, and Budah. “Based on reports, three more enemies were killed and many others were wounded in the fighting that lasted over half an hour,” he said, adding, an all-out offensive was launched to contain the Abu Sayyaf in the province.

“The armed confrontation further resulted in the wounding of eight soldiers who were immediately extricated from the encounter site and evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital and onward to Camp Navarro General Hospital (in Zamboanga City) for medical attention,” Vinluan said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, asked Filipinos to pray for the safety of soldiers fighting the terrorist group, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS. 

“We are sustaining our focused military operations in Sulu to finish off the Abu Sayyaf group and bring about peace in the province. Please continue to pray for the safety of our soldiers while rendering unselfish service to win the peace as we equally worship for our protection against the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Last week, Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed 12 soldiers and wounded 13 more in fierce battle in Patikul town. The Abu Sayyaf is fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the troubled region. (Zamboanga Post)

Like Us on Facebook: The Mindanao Examiner
Like Us on Facebook: The Zamboanga Post
Follow Us on Twitter: Mindanao Examine
Mirror Site: Mindanao Examiner Blog
Digital Archives: Mindanao Examiner Digital
Media Rates: Advertising Rates