Suicide bombings in Jolo likely to avenge killing of militant leader, says Philippine army chief

Police and militaat the site of the twin explosions in the town of Jolo, Sulu province southern Philippines on y Aug 24, 2020. - AP

MANILA (AP): Abu Sayyaf militants may have staged suicide bombings that killed 14 people to avenge the death of a Filipino leader of the Islamic State group in the southern Philippines following a clash with troops last month, the army chief said Tuesday (Aug 25).

Army commanding general Cirilito Sobejana said Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was wounded in a July 6 gunbattle in a jungle near Patikul town in Sulu province and most likely died a few days later. Troops have been searching for his buried remains, he said.