Suspected IED carrier killed in Basilan

Basilan map

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected bomb carrier was killed while his cohort escaped during an encounter with government troops in Lamitan City, Basilan on Wednesday evening, the military reported on Thursday.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) identified the killed personality as Adil Akarab, tagged as “a lawless element and armed terrorist group member.”

The Wesmincom said Akarab, who was a suspected improvised explosive device/anti-personnel mine (IED/APM) carrier, was pillioning on a motorcycle.

He and the motorcycle driver did not stop for checkpoint inspection, prompting authorities to chase both of them, according to authorities.

“Based on the report from the ground, troops from the Dagao Patrol Base who were conducting checkpoint operations reported that a riding in tandem carrying a suspected IED/APM did not stop for inspection and immediately fled towards the direction of Lamitan City,” the Wesmincom said.

“While conducting a hot pursuit operation, troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion encountered the two suspected IED/APM carriers in Barangay Sabong, the same city which resulted in the death of Akarab and the recovery of a suspected IED/APM placed in a yellow sack and a disassembled M16 rifle placed in a white sack,” authorities added.

The Wesmincom said the driver of the motorcycle managed to escape in the direction of Barangay Baas, Lamitan City.

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JPV