Soldier killed, 4 wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines—A soldier was killed while four others were wounded in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu on Sunday, the military said.

Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the soldiers figured in a clash with about 60 members of the Lucky 9 Group, locally named Ajang-Ajang at Bud Pula in Baungkaong in Patikul town around 4 p.m.

The group was led by Abu Sayyaf subleaders Hatib Aseri and Basarun Arok. This same group also clashed with government forces last Friday.

On Monday, soldiers seized an Abu Sayyaf camp in Patikul.

Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, public affairs officer of the AFP Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the camp was found in Barangay Laghub around 8 a.m.

The camp can accommodate about 100 persons with 42 structures. Empty shells of several weapons were also found, as well as battle dress uniforms, backpacks, military shorts, solar panel, water containers, sandals, slippers and solar headlights.

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