8 soldiers wounded in clash with Sayyaf

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Eight soldiers were wounded in a firefight with Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where security forces are battling the pro-Islamic State (IS) group the past two decades, the military said on Friday.

The fighting erupted in the town of Patikul, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, according to the Western Mindanao Command.

The casualties were brought to a military hospital in the capital town of Jolo as troops continue their assault against the Abu Sayyaf.

Wednesday’s clashes lasted for about 45 minutes and the military tagged Abu Sayyaf leaders Hajan Sawadjaan ang Radulan Sahiron in the fighting.

Earlier this year, the United States tagged Sawadjaan as the “emir” of the IS in Southeast Asia, replacing Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed during a five-month battle in Marawi City in 2017.

Sawadjaan was placed recently by the US State Department as one of the designated global terrorists, which include terror leaders across the world.

The military claimed that the Abu Sayyaf also suffered a still undetermined number of casualties, although no cadavers had been recovered by soldiers.

“Firefight lasted for forty minutes after which enemies withdrew bringing along their casualties with them. The exchange of fires resulted in the wounding of 8 servicemen while casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined,” it said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said they would step up operations against the terror group.

“I salute our gallant soldiers for their bravery and utmost dedication to their sworn duty,” Sobejana added.

“Rest assured that we will further intensify our operations to neutralize the remaining bandits in Sulu and in all the provinces under the operational control of the command. As of press time, troops continuously conduct pursuit operation to neutralize the fleeing bandits,” he added.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders pledged allegiance to the IS, is fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the troubled South.