Malaysian forces conduct mopping up operations in Lahad Datu – report

FILIPINO FATALITY Villagers in Kampung Simunul in Semporna look at the body of a man believed to be from Sulu who was killed during a shootout with Malaysian forces. MALAYSIA’S THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

MANILA, Philippines – Malaysian security forces were conducting mopping up operations in a village in Lahad Datu after they had reportedly defeated the members of the “Royal army” of Sulu Tuesday noon.

”Our personnel are carrying out mopping up operations and conducting house-to-house checks. We cannot ascertain casualties among the enemy’s side for now,” Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Omar Ismail told Malaysian media.

The offensive by Malaysian authorities included a combined force of police and military forces as well as airstrikes and artillery fire, Malaysia’s The Star reported.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak authorized the all out offensive that began 7 a.m. in order to flush out the group from Sulu which has been encamped in Tanduao village for the past three weeks in order to reclaim Sabah.

No casualties were reported from the side of the Malaysian forces.