Abu Sayyaf leader killed in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — A top leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in an encounter with the military in Basilan province on Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said Radzmil Jannatul, alias Khubayb, was killed in a shootout with troops of the Philippine Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion.

The AFP said Army troopers were conducting combat operations when they encountered four Abu bandits at Sitio Center, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town.

“Firefight ensued which lasted for about 15 minutes after which the enemy withdrew, leaving behind their slain comrade. While scouring the encounter site, troops recovered the dead body of the ASG personality, who was positively identified as Jannatul,” the AFP Western Mindanao Command said in a statement.

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