Three Malaysian militants killed, confirms Mindanao Gabenor
Hafiz Marzukhi
May 30, 2017 16:00 MYT
May 30, 2017 16:00 MYT
Government troops walk past a mosque before their assault with insurgents from the so-called Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, southern Philippines May 25, 2017. REUTERS
Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman has confirmed today that three Malaysian militants have been killed in a clash between Daish militants and the Philippine security forces in the city of Marawi, Mindanao, Philippines.
“This is based on the report from the military,” he said in a text message to Astro AWANI.
Previously, Philippine military chief Gen. Eduardo Ano said three Malaysians, an Indonesian and possibly an Arab national, were believed to have been killed in the fight.
He added that the militants had planned to set Marawi ablaze.
He also reportedly said the extremists plotted to kill as many Christians in nearby Iligan city on Ramadan to mimic the violence seen by the world in Syria and Iraq.
The Philippines on Thursday deployed attack helicopters and special forces to drive out Islamic State-linked rebels holed up in a besieged southern city, as efforts to take back control met heavy resistance.