M’sia, US launch strike against Abu Sayyaf
LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and United States Marine Corp (USMC) yesterday launched a strike against members of Abu Sayyaf group occupying some areas in Pantai Tanduo.
The strike launched at 9.30am began with bomb and artillery attack as well as shots from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ship.
The attack was then participated by airborne units from Navy Special Forces Team (PASKAL) and US Green Berret.
Some members of the 22nd battalion of RAMD and First Marine Regiment approached the beach after dropping by the combat boats and took offensive positions to eliminate the group.
The Abu Sayyaf group was successfully chased out during the amphibious landing and coastal attacks demonstration performed by ATM and USMC members during the Tiger Strike Exercise 2017.
The demonstration was witnessed by the Operation Assistant Chief of Staff and Training Division ATM Headquarters, Major General Datuk Sheikh Mokhsin Sheikh Hassan and First Regiment Commander, Colonel Kevin Norton.
Sheikh Mokhsin later described that such exercise and training as having good impacts on both military forces.
He said that such training could further increase cooperation in handling terrorism elements, especially in Malaysian waters.
“The organization of such exercise shows that we are serious in addressing the terrorist threats.
“This exercise will also give opportunity to the US forces to feel and experience the jungle and wetlands environment that are different from their country,” he added.
The 2017 Tiger Strike was the second exercise organized annually to test the interoperability between ATM and USMC in a joint combined operation.
This exercise is designed to strengthen combat forces, strengthen communication links, plan and implement amphibious operations together, as well as strengthen bilateral ties between the two armies and the country.
This year’s exercise was accompanied by 456 members and staff including 327 from ATM and 129 from USMC. The USMC members were expected to continue shooting exercises at Kota Belud Target Field after finishing the Tiger Strike Exercise.