PHILIPPINES MILITARY SETPS UP EFFORTS TO EXPEL ISIS TERRORIRSTS FROM MARAWI. 46 PEOPLE KILLED

Source: REUTERS

The Philippines military has setpped up efforts to expel ISIS terrorists from the city of Marawi on the island of Mindanao.

The Philippines government has deployed army troops, special forces, attack helicopters and armoured vehicles for this task. However, the goal of this effort has not been achieved yet.

“Our troops are doing deliberate operations in areas we believe are still occupied or infested with the terrorist presence,” the head of the task force, Brigadier General Rolly Bautista, said.

An intense fighting has been ongoing since Tuesday when ISIS-linked gunmen entered the city. Foreign fighters were a notable part of the group attacked Marawi.

“What is happening in Mindanao is no longer a rebellion of Filipino citizens. It has transmogrified into an invasion by foreign fighters,” But Mr Calida, the solicitor-general, said a news conference. “They want to make Mindanao part of the caliphate.”

In total, 46 people were killed in the clashes: 15 members of security forces and 31 terrorists.

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