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1 Abu Sayyaf terrorist killed, 4 troops hurt in fresh clash in Basilan


A suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorist was killed while four government troops were wounded following a fresh encounter in Basilan Thursday night, a regional military spokesperson said Friday.

Citing initial reports, Maj. Filemon Tan of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command said the clash transpired around 9:30 p.m. in Amoloy, Tipo-Tipo town.

At present, troops are still conducting pursuit operations against the terrorists.

The clash came as government security forces continue to go after the terrorist group responsible for the deaths of 18 Army soldiers during a 10-hour firefight also in Tipo-Tipo on April 9.

The military claimed killing 31 Abu Sayyaf fighters during that firefight and succeeding clashes.

Earlier this week, the international terrorist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the April 9 clash.

The Philippine military, however, has denied such claim, dismissing it as mere propaganda on the terrorist group's part.

The Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent group known for extortion, kidnappings, beheadings and bombings, has posted videos on social media pledging allegiance to Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

The group has attracted foreign fighters from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa to the troubled south of the Philippines, home to a Muslim minority and several Moro rebel groups. — with Reuters/RSJ, GMA News
 

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