8 Abu Sayyaf members killed, 11 soldiers hurt in Sulu firefight

MANILA, Philippines—Eight members of the Abu Sayyaf were killed and 11 soldiers were wounded in a firefight in Sulu on Friday.

The soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion, led by Maj. Ibni Saddama, figured in a fight with about 100 Abu Sayyaf men led by Radulan Sahiron, Hairulah Asbang and Amlon Abtahi in Siito Kan Islam in Brgy. Buhanginan in Patikul at about 11:50 a.m., Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said on Friday.

The gun battle lasted for two hours. The Air Force also provided close air support to the engaged troops.

Cabunoc said one of the 11 wounded soldiers was in critical condition.

The Abu Sayyaf were seen taking their dead comrades towards Sitio Kantitap, he added.

The military is doing all-out law enforcement operations in Sulu since October following the release of the German captives of the Abu Sayyaf.