Marawi will be a fight to the death, say commanders

Government soldiers on military vehicles patrol after a continued assault on fighters from the Maute group who have taken over large parts of Marawi city.PHOTO: REUTERS.

KOTA KINABALU: It appears that the battle between militants and Philippine security forces in Marawi will be a fight to the death, according to several military commanders in that country.

The soldiers have encircled the city where Malaysian lecturer-turned-militant Dr Mahmud Ahmad has dug in with at least 90 militants.