ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Abu Sayyaf militants attacked pre-dawn Monday a marine detachment in Talipao, Sulu, leaving two troopers killed and another wounded, a military official said.
Maj. Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of Western Mindanao Command, said an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf militants staged the attack on the detachment of the 22nd Marine Company about 2 a.m. at sitio Palan, Barangay Mampallam.
“Firefight ensued for 15 minutes as the marines retaliated and repulsed the attack of undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf led by unidentified leader,” Tan said.
However, Tan said two marines were killed and another was wounded in the attack.
He said the marines believe the Abu Sayyaf also suffered casualties as bloodstains were seen on the enemy positions.
Tan did not release yet the names of the fallen marines and that of the wounded trooper.
The military official believes the attack was harassment to divert the military focus in pursuing the main group of the Abu Sayyaf.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, have launched pursuit operations to flush out the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu.