Suspected JI Islamist dead after police, military raid

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - A suspected Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant was wounded and captured,  but died later during an operation of the military and police forces in Marawi City, according to a security official.

A police commando member was also wounded during the arrest of the suspect identified as Ustadz Sanusi alias Ishak, who was among the seven JI militants targeted by the elements of the 103rd Army Brigade under Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero.

The military said Ustadz Sanusi was captured Thursday night during a raid by the joint forces of the 103rd army Brigade and Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The security forces swooped down the safehouse of the suspects at Barangay Salam, Mindanao state University compound.

The military said the suspect had a standing warrant of arrest for arson and murder issued by 11th Judicial Region RTC Judge Oscar P. Noel Jr. based in Mansion, Saranggani province.

Pursuit operation ensued as Sanusi resisted arrest and was critically wounded.

The wounded suspect was rushed to the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi,  but died later while undergoing treatment.

The wounded SAF member, whose name was withheld for security reason, sustained his injury when he accidentally fell in the building during the pursuit operation.

The military reported that police elements found a hand grenade and M16 rifle from the suspect during the raid.

The combined 103rd Army Brigade troops and the SAF continued the search for the  six other JI suspects who were believed to be still in hiding in Marawi City.