Scout Ranger dead, 5 hurt in Basilan blast

A Scout Ranger was killed and five others were wounded after a bomb went off in Basilan on Tuesday morning.

An improvised explosive device exploded while soldiers from the Army’s 8th Scout Ranger Company were conducting clearing operations in Tipo-Tipo at 6:20 a.m., Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said in a statement.

The casualties were not immediately identified pending notification of their families. The slain soldier had a rank of Private First Class.

All the casualties were airlifted to Zamboanga City, Tan said.

Sporadic clashes between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf started last week, and local officials fear the fighting may drag on for several months.

Reports said the Abu Sayyaf led by Isnilon Hapilon, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS, wants to take control of Basilan.

Troops continue to assault enemy positions and neutralize them, Tan said.

The military claims as of Sunday that 18 Abu Sayyaf have been killed and nine wounded in their intensified operations. RAM/rga

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