Military recovers weapons, equipment from Maute militants in Marawi

MARAWI CITY - The Philippine military said it had recovered 410 firearms and several pieces of equipment during ongoing operations against Islamic State-linked militants inside the besieged city of Marawi on Tuesday.

Soldiers presented to the media assault and sniper rifles, a drone, radio sets, and a weighing scale allegedly intended for drug use.

Philippine military spokesperson Jo-ar Herrera said the weapons haul has "degraded the capability" of the Islamist rebels to continue fighting government troops.

At least 336 militants, 82 security forces and 44 civilians have died in the ongoing battle for Marawi, which began on May 22 after a botched military raid for a top Islamist leader prompted the rebels to go on a rampage in the city. — Reuters