MANILA: Philippine army soldiers engaged approximately 15 members of Dawlah Islamiyah, resulting in the death of nine Islamist militants in the southern Philippines.
The firefight occurred at a mountain farm near Piagapo, with four soldiers sustaining injuries, two of which were severe. Among the casualties were three individuals directly involved in the bombing of a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi last month, a tragic incident that claimed four lives and left numerous others wounded.
The military operation targeted suspects linked to the December 4 bombing at MSU, and it revealed that three of the six suspects in the school attack were among those killed in the recent clash. The assailants sought refuge in mountain farmhouses after evading the post-bombing manhunt. Army Scout Rangers, specializing in jungle combat, managed to approach the area where the militants were hiding.
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Despite the peace pact signed in 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest rebel group in the nation, smaller bands of militants opposing the agreement persist. The conflict landscape remains complex, with pockets of unrest, periodic attacks on civilians, and ongoing security challenges. The clash underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups, some professing allegiance to the Islamic State, emphasizing the continued need for effective counterinsurgency efforts in the region.
The military’s pursuit of the remaining suspects highlights the ongoing commitment to maintaining security and addressing the challenges posed by militant activities, ensuring the safety and stability of the affected areas.”
