13 terrorists confirmed dead, 'Mopping-out' operation ongoing

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that 13 terrorists have been killed so far, including a terrorist who was shot in a 6.45am battle, as the "mopping-out" operation is still ongoing.

According to Ahmad Zahid, the forensic team is examining the bodies and the minister will provide a clearer picture once it is completed.

"Let the forensic team examine the bodies first,"said Ahmad Zahid when asked on the cause of death of the intruders.

Ahmad Zahid was speaking to the media in a joint press conference with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein earlier this evening.

Hishammudin also added that the "mopping-out" operation is still ongoing and is expected to take some time before the operation can be completed.

"This takes time because we are dealing with a 'challenging' landscape... Even though the 'mopping out' operations is ongoing, but we still need to be careful.

"This (situation) is not something created or made up. It is reality on the ground," said Hishammuddin.

Meanwhile, the police also revealed that they have arrested four men believed to be linked to the intruders involved in the Kampung Sri Jaya ambush few days ago.

The four men, aged between 20 and 50 years, were arrested in a special operations mounted by a team of policement from the Sabah Police Special Investigation Department.

The operation, which took place in Jalan Lapangan Terbang this afternoon, was aimed at tracking down the intruders currently impersonating villagers in several areas in Semporna.

The operation started at about 12 noon and ended approximately 1.15pm.