Three Islamic State terrorists killed in southern Philippine clash
Philippine Army also confirms our February report local Islamic State leader still alive, at large
LANAO DEL NORTE: Three pro-Islamic State terrorists were killed in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Norte on Saturday (Apr. 13), said the Philippine Army, who also confirmed SEA MILITANCY’S report in February this year that a leader of the group was still alive and at large despite offensives and pursuit operations.
Troops from the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division neutralised the trio, belonging to Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group in Lindongan village, Munai, said 1ID in a statement on Sunday (Apr. 14).
Dawlah Islamiyah, which is Arabic for Islamic State, is the umbrella name given to local terror outfits aligned with the Middle Eastern terror group.
A coordinated effort involving One Platoon from the 3rd Light Reaction Company, Light Reaction Regiment, and a sniper team from the 21st Scout Ranger Company under the First Scout Ranger Regiment under the operational control of Task Force West of the 103rd Infantry Brigade engaged with seven Maute Group members under the leadership of one Nasser Daud @ Mas’od and @ Abu Jihad.
“During the intense firefight, one government personnel sustained minor injuries, while three enemy terrorists were neutralised. Furthermore, three M14 rifles were seized from the encounter site,” said 1ID.
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The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), in a statement Monday (Apr. 15), identified the three slain terrorists as Nezrin Sandab a.k.a. Firdaus, Saipal Abubacar a.k.a. Fariz and Pabo Zainoden Radia a.k.a. Musab.
1ID said pursuit operations are ongoing as the military continues to neutralise the remaining threats posed by the Maute Group.
Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., the 103rd Brigade commander, commended the troops for their valor and successful neutralisation of the enemy forces.
Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray lll, the 1ID commander, expressed gratitude for the successful operation emphasising the government forces' steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lanao del Norte's communities.
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Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales commended the 103rd Infantry Brigade troops for this accomplishment, saying: “We ask for prayers from the peace-loving people of Mindanao for the safety of our soldiers who continuously work hard to successfully eliminate the remaining threats in our area of operation.”
The Maute Group along with the Abu Sayyaf Group laid siege on Marawi city in Lanao del Sur province in 2017 in their bid to carve out territory for the Islamic State in the Southeast Asia region.
Government forces liberated the city after a five-month urban warfare that killed over 1,200 people, mostly militants.