‘Royal Army’ to fight on, will make last stand – Sultanate spokesman

HOMECOMING Members of the Royal Security Force of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo who have traveled with Crown Prince Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Kiram in what the descendants of the Sultan of Sulu describe as not an act of aggression against Sabah but a journey back to their homeland. Malaysian police and special forces surround the “royal army,” asking them to return home. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The “Royal Army” of the Sultanate of Sulu has no plans to surrender despite being bombed by Malaysian security forces in Lahad Datu, Sabah Tuesday morning.

Sulu Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani was quoted as saying in a radio report that the group in Lahad Datu, which is under heavy fire from Malaysian forces, will continue to fight and will make their last stand.

The estimated 200 supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu in Lahad Datu, led by Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Kiram, were fighting back against the Malaysian forces Tuesday, Idjirani said.

Bombs dropped by Malaysian jets struck the area but did not hit the Sulu gunmen, Idjirani said quoting Agbimuddin.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has authorized its armed forces to flush out the remaining armed group in Lahad Datu Tuesday morning, according to reports from Malaysian media.

Fighter jets, artillery fire, and military truck were seen and heard in Lahad Datu, Malaysia’s The Star reported.

As of 11 a.m. no casualties have been reported on the side of the Malaysian forces, The Star reported.