Ten Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed as Army closes net on group

abu Sayyaf terrorist Jolo Sulu Philippines Army
Military action against Abu Sayyaf has been stepped up following the beheading of Jurgen Kantner

A clash between the Army and Abu Sayyaf today (Friday, March 3) resulted in the death of 10 terrorists, including two grandsons of the group’s leader Radulan Sahiron.

On the government side, 17 soldiers were injured in the clash, the second since the terror group beheaded German hostage Jurgen Kantner on Sunday.

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Army spokesman Colonel Benjamin Hao said troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion encountered a group of more than 100 militants led by Sahiron in barangay Igasan of Patikul town, Sulu.

The military believes Sahiron has linked up with sub-leaders Sawadjaan and Almuher Yadah as recent pressure from the military has limited their movements.

Since operations were stepped up after Mr Kantner’s beheading, 28 soldiers have been injured on the island.

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Jurgen Kantner, who was beheaded on Sunday after the deadline for a ransom payment passed

On Wednesday, 11 soldiers were injured during a clash in Barangay Babag in Indanan town. Five terrorists were killed.

The current military campaign is a bid to rescue some 33 hostages being held by the Islamic State-affiliated group.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has vowed there will be no let up in operations against Abu Sayyaf.

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“Make no mistake,” he said. “They will feel the wrath of the entire Filipino nation through the might of its armed forces.”

READ MORE:

Factsheet: The Abu Sayyaf terror group – who they are and what they do

“Now he kills me”: Last words of German beheaded by Abu Sayyaf

Duterte says Abu Sayyaf ‘not criminals’, and blames US for terrorism

Islamic State plotting new terror stronghold in Mindanao

Islamic State chief seriously wounded as he plotted new lair for terrorists

UK jihadist who said bullet-proof boxer shorts were “snake protection” found guilty

Islamic State cash flows into Philippines disguised as OFW remittances

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