Manila, Philippines: Officials say the death toll in fighting between Philippine government troops and Muslim militants who launched a surprise attack to regain control of a captured jungle training encampment has risen to 26.
Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, the regional military spokeswoman, said field reports Thursday showed 25 Abu Sayyaf militants have been killed and 24 wounded. Philippine marines suffered 1 dead and 19 wounded.
The heavy exchange of rifle grenade and mortar fire erupted late Tuesday in a mountain area off southern Sulu province's Patikul town then eased into sporadic exchanges of sniper shots past midnight, with reinforcement marines beating back about 100 Abu Sayyaf attackers, military officials said.
Abu Sayyaf, which is on a U.S. list of terrorist organizations, has had links with foreign terrorist networks, including al-Qaida.
Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, the regional military spokeswoman, said field reports Thursday showed 25 Abu Sayyaf militants have been killed and 24 wounded. Philippine marines suffered 1 dead and 19 wounded.
The heavy exchange of rifle grenade and mortar fire erupted late Tuesday in a mountain area off southern Sulu province's Patikul town then eased into sporadic exchanges of sniper shots past midnight, with reinforcement marines beating back about 100 Abu Sayyaf attackers, military officials said.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Joe Biden Goes From Star To Sideshow At Democratic Convention US Approves Sale Of 600 Patriot Missiles To Germany US Delegation Led By Top Diplomat Richard Verma To Visit India Tomorrow Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan 'INDIA' Is with You Against "Injustice": Rahul Gandhi To Arvind Kejriwal "Strong Indications" Bangladesh Security Forces Used "Unnecessary" Force: UN Delhi Experienced 15 Consecutive Days Of Rainfall, Says Weather Department Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.