Flush them out, now

When the allied forces in Iraq declared the war as officially over in 2003, many believed that peace and order would finally be achieved in the battle-weary country. With hostilities ending, the people of Iraq could finally start the arduous task or rebuilding, with the help of course of the allied forces. But ten years since that day, sporadic fighting, this time in the form of guerilla tactics and even downright terrorist acts have prevailed. Some even say that more have died since the declaration of the end of hostilities, than during the war itself. There are still those who just cannot fathom the concept of peace.

Such is the case in Zamboanga. Spokespersons from both the AFP and the government said that clearing operations were being done, with small pockets of resistance from MNLF-Misuari terrorists left to deal with. Since the attacks have already lasted for more than a week, the remaining terrorists must be low on food and ammunition. So an end to the crisis in Zamboanga couldn't be far behind.

But since that update by the AFP and the government, sporadic fighting is still going on, and there seems to be more casualties on the side of the government now than when this all started. The terrorists have resorted to guerilla-like hit and run tactics against the far superior AFP, which make them harder to neutralize. And it is now certain that someone, or some group is helping them with logistics such as food, water and ammunition.It is imperative that security forces identify where the supplies are coming from, and cut them off.

It is always harder when an enemy does doesn't fight in the same way as you do. Doesn't fight on equal footing. It makes it much harder when you have collateral damage to consider. The MNLF-Misuari terrorists do not have those concerns. They couldn't care less what their actions result to. All they want to do, to achieve, is death, terror and destruction. Several hundred houses have been burned to the ground. They have used innocent civilians as human shields, they fire at anyone they can, and destroy anything in their way. Which is why Zamboanga, a beautiful city aside from being an economic hub of the country, has joined the likes of Baghdad, Kabul and Damascus. A friend has likened the remaining fighters to termites. The only way to totally get rid of them is to burn down the house. Something the security forces cannot consider doing.

The remaining terrorists must be flushed out and neutralized, and their suppliers and sympathizers cut off. Zamboanga has to get back on its feet. It has to start rising from all this. The lives of all those affected must be returned to normal, if still possible. Many have already lost their homes to the terrorists. I would not like to think that this could drag on, just like Baghdad and Kabul. It has to end.

Now.