1 Abu Sayyaf member killed in Sulu clash

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–One Abu Sayyaf militant was killed during a clash with government troops in Sulu  on Friday  afternoon.

Elite army soldiers exchanged gunfire with about 20 members of the Islamic extremist group in Kabuntakas village in Patikul town past  1p.m., military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

The militants fled towards southwest while troops are still scouring the area as of posting time. There were no reports of deaths on the side of the government troops.

Two attack helicopters were on  standby, Zagala said.

Last week, seven soldiers were killed and 13 others were injured in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf also in the same village.

Patikul is a known stronghold of the Al-Qaeda linked militants, known for kidnappings and bombings in the restive south.

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