Air patrols against IS

– Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have begun coordinated air patrols to intensify their fight against Islamic militants who have laid siege to a southern Philippine city.

The start of the air patrols comes four months after the countries launched joint maritime patrols to prevent Islamic State (IS) group-aligned militants in the Philippines from fleeing to neighbouring nations.

The siege in the city of Marawi has raised fears that the IS group’s violent ideology is gaining a foothold in the country. – AP

Kuala Lumpur