AFP bombs terrorists’ Lanao del Sur lair; 3 killed

MANILA, Philippines — The military launched airstrikes and artillery attacks against members of of the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya-Maute terrorist group in Maguing, Lanao del Sur early yesterday.

The military said two terrorists and a soldier were killed while another government trooper was wounded in the ground operations.

Maj. Andrew Linao, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the airstrike was conducted after ground troops confirmed the presence of 40 terrorists led by Abu Zacharia in the hinterlands of Barangay Ilalag at around 2 a.m.

Linao said 12 bombs were dropped in the military offensive. He said four FA 50 jets and two Super Tucano attack aircraft were used during the bomb run.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said close air support was given to protect troops from enemy anti-personnel mines.

“We assure concerned citizens who were alarmed by the close air support that the operation is necessary to keep Lanao del Sur and the region safe and free from the threat of terrorism,” Zagala said.

Capt. Mary Jephte Mañebog, public affairs officer of the First Infantry Division and Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, said members of the 5th, 51st and 55th Infantry Battalions under the 103rd Infantry Division were involved in the military offensive.

She said government troopers recovered two high-powered firearms from the slain terrorists.

There was no immediate report on the result of the airstrikes. Ground operations were ongoing as of yesterday afternoon. – John Unson, Michael Punongbayan