ISIS liaison dead in Sulu encounter

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) liaison was killed after government troops, and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) collided in Sulu on Friday morning.

In a released statement, the Joint Task Force Sulu of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the encounter occurred between the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and a terrorist group in Barangay Tanim in Patikul.

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The deceased ISIS liaison in Sulu was identified as Talha Jumsah or alias “Abu Talha.”

According to AFP, Abu Talha is considered a high-value target.

The military further said that Abu Talha was also an expert in creating improvised explosive devices and also served as an instructor in the ASG.

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The 1101st Infantry Brigade recovered Abu Talha’s body on Saturday morning.

According to 1101st Brigade Commander Brid. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the ASG’s morale has certainly dropped following Abu Talha’s death.

He said the operation would not have been possible without the help of the Tausug community, who reported to the military about the presence of the armed group.

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Abducted British national, Pinay wife rescued

The military rescued the British national and his Pinay wife, who was kidnapped at a resort in Zamboanga del Sur, Monday, November 25.

Westmincom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana confirmed the military troops had rescued couple Allan, and Wilma Hyrons at 9:00 am on Monday, Nov. 25, in Brgy. Taha sa Parang, Sulu.

The successful rescue operations occurred following three successive clashes between Abu Sayyaf members and the military.

Six members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have been killed following military raids on different areas in Sulu this weekend.

In a statement from Western Mindanao Command on Sunday, two separate encounters erupted in Patikul and Indanan.