9 Dawlah Islamiyah members killed in Army ops in Lanao del Sur

MANILA, Philippines — Nine members of the Dawlah Islamiyah were killed in a counterterrorism operation in Lanao del Sur on Thursday and Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines commends the exceptional dedication of the 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA), for their successful counterterrorism operation in Barangay Tapurog, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, on January 25 and 26, 2024,” the AFP said in a statement on Saturday.

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“This operation resulted in the neutralization of 9 members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao and the capture of 9 high-powered firearms and two (2) Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” it added.

AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad confirmed with INQUIRER.net that some of the slain Dawlah Islamiyah members were involved in the Mindanao State University bombing on December 3, 2023.

“This operation sets a clear precedent: the AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people. The remaining few will face our full force and unshakeable resolve in bringing every single responsible individual to account,” the statement read.

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