IS Southeast Asia Filipino leader killed
Another leader of the terror group was also killed.
MARAWI CITY: The Filipino leader of the Islamic State terror group in Southeast Asia was killed in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Sur early Wednesday, the military has announced.
Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, in a statement, said Abu Zacharia the leader Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines also known as the Maute Group, was neutralised in a joint law enforcement operation conducted in the wee hours of the day.
“Based on the report from the ground, Faharudin Hadji Benito Satar/Faharudin Pumbaya Pangalian/Fahar Pumbaya Pangalian, a.k.a. Abu Zacharia, amir of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and overall amir of the Islamic State-East Asia, was successfully neutralised after resisting arrest during a joint law enforcement operation conducted at his safe house in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur at about 1:30 in the morning, Wednesday,” Galido said.
Combined elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a joint operation to serve a warrant of arrest against Abu Zacharia.
Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate.
Abu Zacharia also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position.
A firefight ensued, which lasted for about ten minutes. While clearing the area, troops recovered the dead body of Abu Zacharia and two M16A1 rifles with ammunition.
The exchange of fires also resulted in the wounding of one soldier who is currently recuperating in a hospital in Marawi City.
Meanwhile, in a follow-up operation conducted in Bangon, Marawi City, at about 6:07 a.m. on then same day, government forces successfully neutralised another key leader of Daulah Islamiyah.
According to Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, combined elements of the AFP and PNP were serving a warrant of arrest against Joharie Sandab, a.k.a. Morsid, DI-Philippines Sub-Leader and amir for Finance and Logistics when they were fired upon by the subject using his M16 rifle.
The subject also threw a hand grenade toward the operating troops. Fortunately, the hand grenade did not explode.
The government forces were left with no choice but to return fire. The exchange of fires resulted in the death of Morsid.
While scouring the area, operating troops recovered the dead body of Morsid. Also recovered were assorted war materials including one M16A1 with ammunition, one 9mm pistol with ammunition, and one unexploded hand grenade.
Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, commended the operating troops for this laudable accomplishment.
Galido added: “This is a significant breakthrough in our campaign against the Daulah Islamiyah. We are certain that the death of Abu Zacharia will be the downfall of the IS-inspired group in our area of operation.”
“This achievement is attributable to the solidarity among various sectors. May we continue to walk the path leading to internal security with utmost sincerity and dedication. Let us unite ourselves and journey toward the realization of lasting peace and development, which are inclusive of the inspirations of all the peace-loving people of Mindanao."