5 ASG militants, including 1 foreign terrorist, killed in Basilan clash
A file picture of alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf group. (via The Star/ANN)
At least five militants, including a foreign terrorist, were killed and 20 were wounded in a daylong intense firefight with government troops in Basilan, the military said early Sunday.
Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the five fatalities from the Abu Sayyaf included Moroccan Mohammad Khattab, a supporter of Isnilon Hapilon, one of the most senior leaders of the terror group based in Basilan.
Ubaida, the son of Hapilon, was also one of those killed, Tan said.
Hapilon has earlier pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and has been blamed to several terrorist attacks and high-profile kidnappings. He is one of the most wanted terrorists listed in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation with up to $5-million bounty for his capture.
Tan said the injured militants included Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Radzmil Jannatul alias Kubayb.
The fierce gunbattle in Tipo-Tipo town killed 18 soldiers and injured 53 others after it battled about 100 members of the Abu Sayyaf on Saturday.
READ: 18 soldiers dead in 10-hr clash with ASG
On Friday, the Abu Sayyaf released its Italian hostage, former missionary Rolando del Torchio, who was found aboard a ferry in Jolo bound for Zamboanga City.
READ: Kidnapped Italian pizzeria owner freed
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri are scheduled fly to Zamboanga City and Basilan on Sunday to meet the ground commanders and visit wounded troops. TVJ
READ: Gazmin, Iriberri to fly to Zamboanga City and Basilan early Sunday
