US supports antiterrorist fight, mum on martial law

Police inspect vehicles passing along he national highway in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday night as President Duterte declares martial law all over Mindanao.

The United States on Thursday condemned the terrorist attacks in Marawi City but stopped short of supporting President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to impose martial law on Mindanao.

“These cowardly terrorists killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the lives of innocent citizens,” Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement released by the White House.

“The United States will continue to provide support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts,” the statement said. “The United States is a proud ally of the Philippines, and we will continue to work with the Philippines to address shared threats to the peace and security of our countries.”

The statement did not specify the support it was prepared to give to the Philippines and made no specific reference to martial law, which Mr. Duterte declared late on Tuesday after the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group rampaged through the city.

The ensuing firefights killed at least 22 people.

The United States is a defense treaty ally of the Philippines. It has provided counterterrorism training and equipment to troops battling the Abu Sayyaf and other extremist groups since the early 2000s.

The Abu Sayyaf faction that was involved in the attacks in Marawi was led by Isnilon Hapilon. Washington has offered a $5-million bounty for him.

Hapilon and the Maute group have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. He has reportedly been appointed leader of the alliance between Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group.