Six Abu Sayyaf members were killed and 11 soldiers were wounded in clashes in Basilan and Sulu on Friday morning, the military said.
Major Filemon Tan, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers from Joint Task Group Basilan sustained minor shrapnel wounds after a firefight in Tipo-Tipo town at about 6:30 a.m.
The casualties were airlifted to Zamboanga City for medical attention.
The operations also resulted in the deaths of two Abu Sayyaf members, identified as Radzmil Jannatul alias Khubayb and a certain Guro Arah at Hill 490 in Barangay Poblacion.
Soldiers also recovered a .50-cal. heavy machine gun.
Fighting in the province started early this month as the government troops aimed to flush out the rebels.
In Indanan, Sulu, four Abu Sayyaf members were killed after intensified focused military operations in Barangay Langpas at 8:50 a.m..
Close air support was given to the engaged troops. Two soldiers were slightly wounded from the operations, said Tan. They were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista for medical treatment.