MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine troops killed the leader of a small Muslim rebel group and eleven of his men blamed for past bombings and extortion in a clash in the country’s south, military officials said Tuesday.
Seven soldiers were wounded in the hourlong gunbattle Monday against suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in a marshy hinterland in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur province, Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara said.
Cagara said a key commander of the rebel group, Mohiden Animbang, who used the nom de guerre Karialan, was killed, along with his brother, Saga Animbang and 10 other suspected militants. About a dozen of their firearms were recovered from the battle scene.
“This group has long been notorious for bombings, attacking army and police outposts and extortion of bus companies. We finally caught up with them,” Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, a regional army spokesperson, told The Associated Press by telephone.
Nets hire Jordi Fernandez as coach. Fernandez was Kings' associate head coach for two years
Doggy ballgowns, surveillance tech and cloning services for sale at China pet fair
Nairobi fire: At least 29 injured in Kenya gas plant explosion
What we're watching: The Great
European nations with Patriot missiles hesitate to give the air defense systems to Ukraine
Donetsk: Deadly blast hits market in Russia
Property at centre of North Shore walkway stoush now up for sale
Chilean vet helps dogs, cats and rabbits injured in wildfires
Matt Ryan calls it a career. The quarterback officially announces his retirement
Millions of donkeys killed each year to make medicine
Rafael Nadal poised for Laver Cup swansong in Berlin in September
TikTok users losing access to Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish songs