2 Abu Sayyaf men killed in battle with soldiers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Two Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed and six other persons, including three soldiers, were wounded in heavy fighting in Basilan on Saturday, the military said.

Colonel Alexander Macario, commander of Task Force Basilan, said Scout Ranger soldiers were patrolling in the village of Buug Macalang in Albarkah when they clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen led by Nurhassan Jamiri.

Jamiri is a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader involved in high-profile kidnappings in Basilan. He also figured in the 2007 ambush in Albarkah and beheading of seven of 14 Marines killed in a battle.

Macario said Saturday’s clash started 6:15 a.m. and lasted until about 9 a.m.

“The slain Abu Sayyaf are body count. We suffered three wounded in action—all members of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion,” he said.

Macario said soldiers also recovered three M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, an M14 rifle and assorted paraphernalia from the scene of the clash.

The Abu Sayyaf is a band of self-styled Islamists that has gained notoriety from its kidnapping and terrorist activities. It has been linked to the Southeast Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah.