Australia offers to train Philippine troops in IS fight

SYDNEY – Australia yesterday offered to help train Philippine troops to tackle Islamic militants terrorizing parts of the country as it calls the threat “deeply concerning.”

Philippine forces have been fighting militants in Marawi City for almost 100 days. But the gunmen, flying the Islamic State (IS) group’s black flag, have defied military assaults, including airstrikes and artillery barrages.

Australia, which has an extensive defense cooperation program with Manila, has already deployed two high-tech AP-3C Orion aircraft for surveillance and is keen on providing more help.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she recently spoke to President Duterte, who wanted to bolster resources for his armed forces.

“We would be ready to support the Philippines in the same way we are supporting Iraq in advising, assisting and training,” she said.

“We indicated what we have been doing in Iraq. I went through with the President in some detail the support we have given in Iraq – that does not include troops on the ground. That is advising and assisting.”

Australia is part of the coalition fighting the IS group in Iraq and Syria, with 780 defense personnel based in the Middle East.

Bishop said it was “deeply concerning” for the entire Asian region that IS had a presence in southern Philippines.

The US, Malaysia and Indonesia also offering support to the Philippine military.

Duterte declared martial law across Mindanao, home to 20 million people, on May 23 immediately after fighters flying the IS flag rampaged through Marawi.

Their assault on the city ignited an unprecedented urban war, which Duterte has warned is part of an IS campaign to establish a base in Mindanao.