Five Islamic State terrorists killed in Mindanao firefights
They were remnants of a terrorist group responsible for a 2023 bombing and 2017 siege.
ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR: The Philippine army said they killed five suspected pro-Islamic State terrorists in two firefights in the southern province of Lanao del Norte on Monday (Apr. 29).
The clashes occurred against a group of 12 Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group terrorists led by Nasser Daud @ Mahater / Ustad Nasser / Mas’od in Munai district, said the army’s 1st Infantry Division (1ID) in a statement Tuesday (Apr. 30)
Dawlah Islamiyah, which is Arabic for Islamic State, is the umbrella name given to Filipino terror groups aligned with the Middle Eastern terror group.
The clashes, said 1ID, happened during a “decisive operation” conducted by the army's 9th Scout Ranger Company, a unit under the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, under the First Scout Ranger Regiment, operating under the 103rd Infantry Brigade of 1ID.
The first encounter took place in Cadayonan village lasting 45 minutes. While pursuing the fleeing enemies, another confrontation ensued at Maganding village where the Joint Quick Reaction Force of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion engaged the enemy for 10 minutes.
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“During these engagements, five enlisted personnel sustained injuries but are in stable condition,” said 1ID.
“Additionally, two high-powered firearms were captured, along with other war materiel and personal belongings belonging to the terrorists.”
Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., the commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their successful operation against the remnants of the Maute Group.
Meanwhile, the 1ID commander, Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray lll, lauded the bravery and swift action of the 9th Scout Ranger Company and allied forces in their recent encounters.
Maj. Gen. Viray III reiterated 1ID’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community against threats posed by extremist groups.
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“The 1st Infantry Division remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community against threats posed by extremist groups,” Viray said in the statement.
“The bravery and dedication of our troops in these encounters exemplify the unwavering resolve of the Philippine Army in protecting our people and upholding peace and order in the region.”
Scores of Maute Group members including leaders were killed during the army’s recent pursuit operations after the group’s bombing of a Catholic mass in Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur’s provincial capital, on Dec. 3, 2023.
The group, along with the Abu Sayyaf Group, laid siege to Marawi City in 2017 in their bid to create an Islamic State territory for Southeast Asia.
Government forces liberated the city after a five-month urban battle that saw over 1,200 people, mostly militants, killed.
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