Terrorists dumped weapons before fleeing scene after a gunfight

The Malaysian security forces and the Sulu intruders were engaged in a firefight this morning, said Sabah's top cop.

The firefight occurred while the security forces - in the midst of conducting ‘mopping-out’ operation in the Sungai Bilis area in Lahad Datu - stumbled on terrorists who were still roaming the area.

The terrorists then fired at the security forces and a firefight sparked after that.

Fortunately, no casualties were recorded on the Malaysian security forces during the firefight after the terrorists fleeing the scene.

Sabah Police Commissioner, Datuk Hamza Taib said the incident occurred at 7.30am when a team of security forces were ‘mopping-out’ the Sungai Bilis area.

“They encounter three terrorists who were roaming in the area. A gunbattle soon took place,” said Hamza.

The suspects then ditched their weapon before fleeing the scene.

“We discovered a pistol with six bullets and a parang belong to the terrorists at the scene,” he said.

Hamza also stated that security forces will not be relocating Kampung Tanduo residents.

“As there are not many residents in Kampung Tanduo, we are thinking of relocating them to a safer place not far from the village. In fact, we are going to discuss on their relocation with the cooperation of Felda,” he said.

He will be holding a meeting with officers from district office, National Security Council (MKN) and also head of community to discuss the process of bring the resident home.

Security officials also will be setting up a date either tomorrow or Friday to conduct damage assessment on resident’s properties. The process is expected to be completed within a short time frame.

Until today, 67 terrorists were killed while 119 other terrorists and individuals that related to terrorism activity have been detained under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

316 other have been arrested for various offences and eight have been charged in court.