No injury to security forces during 7am offensive

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that none of the security forces' personnel were injured in the offensive which was launched this morning.

The offensive, which was launched at about 7am, was against the armed Sulu terrorists in Kampung Tanduo, Sabah.

"As for the casualties on the part of the intruders, we have to wait because the operation is ongoing," Hishammuddin said.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the armed forces' operations to defend the country's sovereignty have been fruitful.

He added that the armed forces used three F-18 and five Hawk fighter aircraft in the offensive on the village where the armed intruders from the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultanate had holed up since Feb 9.

This was first joint operation by the military and the police and the armed forces were beefing up their strength in the area.

He said the government, through the National Security Council, would provide humanitarian aid, including food, to the residents of Kampung Tanduo.

He also said that diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippines were unaffected by the intrusion and offensive.