MANILA, Philippines—Government soldiers seized what the Army said was an “enemy lair” in Lanao del Sur during the weekend, the military said on Monday (Feb. 15).
Soldiers from the Joint Task Force Zampelan overran the the camp of suspected Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group members in the town of Madamba, Lanao del Sur after a clash last Feb. 13, said the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in a statement.
The soldiers clashed with at least 15 terrorists belonging to the group, forcing the terrorists’ retreat, Westmincom said.
“We deployed air and artillery troops to conduct assault forcing the enemies to abandon their position,” Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of Joint Task Force Zampelan, was quoted as saying.
The group fled its stronghold “due to the intense ground and air support” from Army units during the gunfight that lasted for nearly seven hours.
The area seized by government soldiers had 20 foxholes and eight huts big enough for at least 70 people. Soldiers also found bullet slugs, grenade launchers and cartridges.
No one was hurt among government soldiers during the clash and the number of casualties among the terrorists was unknown.
TSB