Exodus Marawi: In photos
Residents fleeing the besieged city of Marawi travel to an evacuation center, Friday, May 26, 2017, in Bal-oi township, southern Philippines. Philippine army generals say dozens of Islamic State group-linked extremists have been killed in two days of fighting in a southern city that has been under siege since one of Asia's most-wanted militants evaded capture and dozens of rebels came to his aid. AP/Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes following an onslaught between government troops and ISIS-inspired Maute group in the city of Marawi in Lanao del Sur.
The fire fight has been stretched to four days, claiming more than 40 lives, including those of 13 soldiers and two police officers, while several buildings and houses have been occupied and others were burned.
Authorities earlier said the situation is under control but this did not stop President Rodrigo Duterte from declaring martial law over Mindanao.
While the government is trying to clear the city, residents have no choice but to seek refuge in neighboring municipalities.
The end of war, however, is indefinite and no one knows when they will be back to their homes again.
— Photos from the Associated Press by Bullit Marquez
- Latest
- Trending
