ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A sub-leader of the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya was killed while his wife and eight government troopers were wounded in a law enforcement operation in Marawi on Monday.
The military said personnel of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Lanao del Sur police were responding to reports that Usop Nasif, alias Abu Asraf, was monitored in Barangay Guimba, when the clash occurred.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said Nasif was declared dead on arrival at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, where his wife Almaira Panduma was also taken for treatment.
The identities of the wounded troopers were withheld pending notification of their family members.
Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II said Nasif was the primary suspect in the killing of three soldiers in Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte on Jan. 14.
The militant was also said to be a henchman of siblings Abdullah and Omarkhayam of the Maute terrorist group.