Soldier killed, 3 others wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines—One soldier was killed and three others were wounded in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan at dawn Thursday, military reports said.

Colonel Carlito Galvez of the Army’s 104th Brigade in Basilan said the clash with about 70 members of the Al Qaeda-linked group started around 4 a.m. and lasted until about 10 a.m. in  sitio Bohe Libi in Al Barka town.

Based on intelligence reports, there were seven casualties from the extremist group.

Meanwhile, Captain Jefferson Somera of the Army’s First Infantry Division said the security operations involved joint elements of Light Reaction Company, Naval Special Operations Unit and the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion.

The extremist group was led by Isnilon Hapilon.

A team from the Philippine Air Force based in Zamboanga City was sent for close air support.

A report from the Basilan Human Rights Center said 1,000 families were evacuated to safer areas as the military intensified its operations.

Locals were not able to perform their Eid prayers for fear of being caugh