Philippine military ramps up Abu Sayyaf offensive


Philippine soldiers walk along a highway as they return to camp after an armed encouter with members of militant group Abu Sayyaf at the village of Bongkaong, Patikul town, Sulu province on the southern island of Mindanao. - AFP

JOLO: The Philippine military deployed thousands of extra troops on Tuesday to destroy an Islamic extremist group notorious for kidnapping foreigners, after 15 soldiers were killed, authorities said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered his security forces to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf, which has declared allegiance to the Islamic State group and recently beheaded two Canadian hostages.

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Abu Sayyaf , Islamic State , terrorists , Duterte

   

Next In Regional

Malaysia needs time to study Asean joint visa proposal, says Home Minister
Mt Ruang: Last eruptions before Wednesday occurred in 2002, 1949
Thailand drops joint patrols with Chinese police after public backlash
Cops on the hunt for cable thieves in Ayer Hitam
Najib wanted to answer questions on money laundering in court, says investigating officer
Hearing for Siti Bainun's appeal against conviction postponed to Jan 30 next year
Biker ambushed by a tiger near Gua Musang, lives to tell his tale
Historic day for human rights in Malaysia, says Azalina
Many workers in boycott-hit companies are locals, says Rayer
Two nabbed for launching fireworks at police in Lembah Subang

Others Also Read