US considers air strikes on Isil terrorists in Philippines

THE Pentagon is considering plans to conduct air strikes against Isil terrorists in the Philippines, two defence officials have revealed to NBC News.

A recent spurt of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil)-affiliated terrorist activity, including an ongoing assault on the southern city of Marawi, has caused alarm in the Philippines and neighbouring countries that Isil could establish a regional hub in south-east Asia, even as it declines in the Middle East.

The authority to strike Isil targets as part of a strategy of collective defence could become part of a military operation that may be formalised as early as today, said the officials.

The strikes would likely be conducted by armed drones.

If the Pentagon plan is approved, the US military would be able to conduct strikes against the Isil groups that Philippines forces are fighting in the country’s southern islands.

The US has been sharing intelligence and has had a counter-terrorism presence in the Philippines for 15 years.

Speaking at a meeting of south-east Asian foreign ministers in the Philippine capital, Manila, yesterday, Rex Tillerson, US Secretary of State, said that Washington had already provided Cessna planes and UAVS (drones) for intelligence purposes.

“We’re providing them some training and some guidance in terms of how to deal with an enemy that fights in ways that are not like most people have ever had to deal with,” he said.

Reports of US troops on the ground near the besieged city of Marawi emerged as early as June. The Muslimmajority city of 200,000 was overrun by groups claiming allegiance to Isil in late May, and the Philippine military has been unable to regain full control.

President Rodrigo Duterte initially claimed he was “not aware” of their presence and that he had “never approached America” for help.

While seeking stronger ties with China, Mr Duterte has tried over the past year to distance himself from Washington, which he has accused of treating the Philippines like “dogs on a leash”.

Yesterday, he changed his tone. “I am happy to see you,” he told Mr Tillerson at the presidential palace. “I am your humble friend in south-east Asia.”