Military Claims to Have Killed Abu Sayyaf and Maute Group Leaders in Marawi, Mindanao
Category: Instability
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/16/2017 (Philippines) - Emerging local media reports on Monday, 16 October, indicate that military sources are claiming to have killed the leaders of Abu Sayyaf and the Maute militant group during fighting in the Mindanao city of Marawi. Isnilon Haplion, a senior leader in Abu Sayyaf and the alleged leader of Islamic State-affiliated militants in the Philippines, and Omar Maute, one of the Maute brothers leading the eponymous group, were reportedly killed by military forces as they moved in on the final militant-held areas of Marawi over the weekend. An operation to arrest Haplion on 23 May is believed to have been the trigger for the crisis in Marawi, prompting Maute group members to drive government forces out and seize control of the city. Over 1000 people are believed to have been killed in the battle to retake Marawi since 23 May, including at least 817 suspected militants, 162 military personnel and 47 civilians. The majority of the city was abandoned during the protracted fighting and many areas have since been severely damaged in government air and artillery strikes.
Those in Mindanao are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the Marawi area in the medium term until the security situation has stabilised. Travellers should be aware that a state of emergency remains in place across Mindanao and are advised to heed any directives issued by security forces and local authorities. Those with operations in the region area are advised to review security and contingency measures in light of the militant threat to ensure they remain commensurate to the local threat environment.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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