Philippines: 7 militants killed, bombs seized in latest raid by troops
- About 60 Muslim militants in remote camp near Maguing in Lanao del Sur province were attacked by fighter jets and army forces, military officials said
- It was not clear whether, Abu Zacariah, suspected new leader of Islamic State group, was among those killed or managed to escape
Philippine troops killed at least seven Muslim insurgents aligned with Islamic State group in a recent offensive in the south and recovered 45 heavy firearms and several bombs and landmines that were to be used in future attacks, military officials said Thursday.
About 60 Muslim militants were in the remote camp near Maguing in Lanao del Sur province when it was attacked Tuesday by fighter jets and army forces, military officials said.
It was not immediately clear whether their leader, Abu Zacariah, was among those killed or managed to escape. One soldier was killed and five others were wounded in the fighting, the officials said.
Zacariah has been implicated in past attacks and bombings and is suspected of being the newly designated leader of Islamic State group in Southeast Asia, said army infantry brigade Commander Brigadier General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, who oversaw Tuesday’s offensive.
Two Factions of the militant group Daulah Islamiyah, linked to Islamic State group, appear to have merged and camped near Maguing in January.
