Philippines Says US Troops On The Ground Near Besieged Marawi City

MANILA: Armed US troops are on the ground near the besieged Marawi City in the Philippines, but they are in a support role and not participating in fighting ISIS terrorists, a Philippines military spokesman said today.

"There are some US personnel who are operating equipment to provide information on situation awareness to our troops," Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told a news conference.

"I do not know the exact number and the specific mission. They are allowed to carry rifles for self-defence. But they are not allowed to fight, they only provide support," he said.