DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Tuesday that security forces in Malaysia have conducted airstrikes and ground assault on the “royal army” of the Sultanate of Sulu in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
“We would like to confirm reports that early this morning Malaysian security forces conducted airstrikes followed by ground operations in Lahad Datu,” DFA Spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters.
“We are awaiting more details on these events including the number of casualties if there are,” he said.
Malaysian forces composed of police and military troops began the offensive at 7 a.m. with jets and artillery fire, Malaysia’s The Star reported.
Police there claimed they had defeated the estimated 200 supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu around 12 noon, The Star said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had authorized the offensive against the “royal army” in order to end the more than three week standoff after several failed negotiations.
“We have done everything possible to make sure that there would be no loss of lives in this incident,” Hernandez said.
“What has happened is exactly what we did not want to happen,” he said.
DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario will return home Tuesday afternoon after meeting with his Malaysian counterpart.