NBC report on US airstrike on 'ISIS targets' in Marawi 'fake news,' says Lorenzana

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday branded as "fake news" the report that the United States Defense Department has considered to conduct airstrikes on "ISIS targets" in strife-torn Marawi City using armed drones.

Lorenzana made the statement during the House briefing for the Department of National Defense's proposed budget for next year.

"I checked that with the US Embassy here. They have no idea what it is about," Lorenzana said.

On August 7 (US time), NBC News reported that the Pentagon is considering a plan that would allow the US military to strike ISIS targets in Marawi City, where Philippine government forces are battling ISIS-inspired Maute terrorists for almost three months now.

But Lorenzana said the US Embassy even checked with the Pentagon to verify the report and found out that "it is not true, it is a fake news."

"That will not happen, to use drones to strike the Philippines," Lorenzana said. "They need to inform us. They should get our approval or agreement before they use the equipment."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines last week said they can defeat local terrorist groups without aid from the US military.

"We really don't need additional platforms like drones, US drones to deliver ammunition sa ating mga targets. Sa ngayon po sa nakikita natin, kayang-kaya na po ng AFP alone to address the issue here in Marawi," said Joint Task Force Marawi Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner. —KBK, GMA News