2 soldiers wounded in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Gunmen ambushed a military truck, wounding two Army troopers in Al-Barka, Basilan yesterday.

Troopers from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion were in a KM450 light military utility truck when gunmen attacked them at around 8 a.m. in Barangay Magcawa, according to Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, chief of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade.

The soldiers were reportedly headed to a community outreach activity.

The gunmen hid under the bushes on both sides of the road and fired shots at the approaching military truck, hitting the driver and the soldier sitting beside him.

The troops returned fire, prompting the gunmen to retreat.

Luzon said a pursuit operation was launched for the gunmen.