IS-linked gunman slain, another falls in clash with Army in Maguindanao

WAR MATERIALS. Government forces recover a cal. 45 pistol, two improvised bombs, bomb-making components, and personal belongings of terror group members after a brief clash with IS-linked gunmen in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on August 5. (Army photo)

COTABATO CITY—A gunman belonging to a local terror group with links to the Islamic State (IS) was killed, while another was arrested after a clash Friday with government troops in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) identified the killed IS members as Khamhed Akan Kambal also known as Mheds, which the military said is known bomber of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group.

Operating troops also arrested a personality identified as a certain Nasrudin Sali Blah of Barangay Tuayan in Ampatuan..

The clash occurred at past 3 a.m. in Barangay Dicalongan, the Philippine Army said in a statement.

Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Alburo were conducting a focused military operation in response to civilian reports about the presence of armed men in the area.

The operation resulted in an armed encounter with the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan group led by a certain “Alpha King.”

At past 5 a.m., as the soldiers did clearing operations around the site of clashes, they found the body of a slain gunman, a caliber .45 pistol beside him, two improvised bombs, bomb-making components, and personal belongings.

Soldiers turned over the remains of Kambal to officials of Barangay Dicalongan for burial according to Islamic rites. The captured DI member was handed over to the Ampatuan police for the filing of charges.

In a separate statement, Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the accomplishment of the soldiers saying their performance help rid the province of terrorism.

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