AFP: Basit Usman cohorts killed in Maguindanao military offensive

Basit Usman. Photo from https://isisstudygroup.com/

MANILA, Philippines—Three companions of terrorist bomber Basit Usman have been killed in the military’s operation in Maguindanao, the military said on Sunday.

In a post on his Twitter account, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc described them as Usman’s “Tausug cohorts.”

“3 Tausug cohorts of terrorist bomber Basit Usman reported killed by the Army in Maguindanao,” Cabunoc said.

Usman, along with Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan,” were the targets of the botched operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 which resulted to the killing of 44 members of the Philippine National Police- Special Action Force (SAF), 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, and five civilians.

Last Feb. 13, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangundadatu said that Usman was “seriously wounded” and is hiding in Maguindanao.

Mangundadatu said that Usman was being transported by 10 to 15 men due to the injuries he sustained.

Cabunoc added that AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. ordered field commanders to continue the fight against the rebels.

“Gen. Catapang directs the field commanders to press the fight against the bandits in Sulu, Basilan and Maguindanao,” he said in another tweet.

Catapang has earlier ordered an “all-out intensified offensive” against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

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