Philippines: Marawi Will Not Become ISIS Hub Or Province

Soldiers onboard military trucks ride along the main street as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

Marawi will not be turned into an ISIS hub or a province of the terrorist group in Southeast Asia, said Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella in a media briefing.

“It’s unlikely for Marawi to become a new hub for IS fighters. The Philippine military has already pre-empted the Maute group from establishing a wilayat or a province in Marawi,”CNN quoted the presidential spokesman.

The comment followed US media reports that the Philippine military is conducting not enough efforts to drive ISIS members from the city of Marawi.

On Tuesday, government troops, backed up by warplanes and helicopters, launched another offensive against ISIS members inside the city. According to military sources, the army hopes to liberate the whole city soon. However, there is no deadline.

- See more at: https://southfront.org/philippines-marawi-will-not-become-isis-hub-or-province/#sthash.N7sNwlkA.dpuf

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