AFP announces death of local IS leader

COTABATO CITY—The military in Maguindanao today announced that it neutralized a local leader of the Islamic State.

A report from the Joint Task Force Central sent to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said Sbdulfatah Omar Alimuden, also more known as “Abu Huzaifah,” was killed in a special operation Monday in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

The military says Abu Huzaifah had been known to be the spokesperson of IS-East Asia.

Rosario said the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, 40th Infantry Battalion, and intelligence units joined forces for the special operation in Crossing Salbo, Barangay Poblacion of Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

Citing intelligence reports, Rosario said Abu Huzaifah was also in charge of the financial transactions of the local affiliate, Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines, to the central IS leadership.

Rosario commended the Army troops for “this significant accomplishment” and urged them to sustain the momentum.

The killing of Abu Huzaifah came a week after government forces conducted air and ground assaults on IS lairs in Maguindanao, during which two members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed.

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