IS leader may still be at large in Mindanao
Analysis also shows some Maute Group members remain, necessitating continuous counterterrorism operations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
“Maute Group likely to recruit again”
“Military aiming to strike local terror leaders” — Georgi Engelbrecht, Manila-based analyst
SABAH (Malaysia): The Philippine military recently confirmed that the mastermind of last December’s Mindanao university bombing was among nine pro-Islamic State terrorists killed during clashes with government forces on Jan. 25-26, 2024.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement on Feb. 12 described the alleged bombing mastermind, Khadafi Mimbesa also known as Engineer, as an “amir” or leader of the pro-Islamic State Maute Group.
The bombing occurred on Dec. 3, 2023, during a Catholic Mass held inside a gym at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur’s provincial capital, which killed four people and injured dozens others.
The other eight terrorist slain in the clashes in Tapurog village, Piagapo municipality, Lanao del Sur province, were identified as s Saumay Saiden alias Ustadz Omar/Abu Omar/Saumay, Salman alias Mikdad/Miqdad, Abdul Hadi alias Hodi Imam/Abday'n, Lacson Timbang alias Abdullah, King Fahad Dalig Untie alias Muhajeer/Abu Khalid, Asnawi Mael alias Hamza, Mauwiyah (an alias) and Mohaimen (an alias).
Analyses by a Manila-based analyst and SEA MILITANCY indicate the possible number of remaining members of the Maute Group, who along with the Abu Sayyaf Group in 2017 laid siege to Marawi City that saw over 1,200 people, mostly militants, killed during the ensuing five-month urban battle with government forces.
Also, a Maute Group leader, Nasser Daud, may still be at large.