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Basilan bombing an 'ISIS-directed attack,' security expert claims


An international security analyst on Wednesday attributed to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) the bombing at a military checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday that took the lives of 10 people.

International security analyst Dr. Rommel Banlaoi claimed the "suicide" bombing was done by a Moroccan national, according to a report by Allan Gatus on Dobol B sa News TV.

Further, an alleged commander of the Abu Sayyaf terror group joined in the "mission" of the suicide bombing.

Dr. Banlaoi has called the Basilan bombing an "ISIS-directed attack," as based on his study, many foreign nationals who have the ability to create bombs are still staying in Mindanao, particularly in Basilan and Sulu.

The website SITE Intelligence Group also showed a picture of a foreigner man, a Moroccan who allegedly conducted the suicide bombing in Lamitan City.

In a statement carried by its Amaq news agency, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing attack, which it called "a martyrdom operation".

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo on Wednesday said the bombing has yet to show any connection to ISIS.

However, the AFP will not discount the possibility of the involvement of the group in the bombing, he said.

Arevalo, however, noted that the Abu Sayyaf remains the biggest suspects.

Malacañang on Tuesday considered the incident as a terrorist attack and condemned it "in the strongest possible terms." —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News

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