Bandits slain, trooper wounded in Sulu clash
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government security forces clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits, killing several militants in Indanan, Sulu on Tuesday.
The military said a soldier was wounded in the encounter that occurred in Barangay Paligi at around 8:45 a.m.
The firefight erupted days after the military stepped up its operation against the bandit group to save a German captive from execution.
Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the military could not determine the number of fatalities as the bandits escaped, bringing with them their dead and wounded comrades.
Westmincom chief Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said the fighting indicated that the militants’ movements had been restricted due to the military’s stepped up operations.
“Our troops are on the ground to pin down the bandits who are fleeing from the offensive,” Galvez said.
At least 14 battalions of soldiers are pursuing the bandit group, he added.
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