Abu Sayyaf mows down 7 soldiers in Sulu
MANILA, Philippines—Seven soldiers, including a military officer, were killed in separate clashes with suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu early Thursday.
“About 6:20 this morning, a military officer was killed in action after his troops encountered an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf rebels in Barangay (village) Kagay, Patikul, Sulu,” said military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala in a statement.
Ten minutes later into the firefight, six were killed while 13 were injured after they were hit by an 81mm mortar launched by the lawless group in Kabbon-Takas village.
The remaining troops are still in the area of operations as of posting time while the casualties were evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical attention.
Three critically wounded personnel from Kabbon-Takas village were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.
“We are yet to inform the families of our members who were killed and wounded during the encounters in Sulu. Rest assured that they are being well taken care of,” Zagala said.
“Our men will continue to conduct pursuit operations,” he said.
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