According to the military, government soldiers in the southern Philippines killed nine members of a pro-Islamic State group, which included two suspects in a deadly blast at a Catholic Mass last month. Four soldiers were wounded during the counter terrorism operation, but all are in stable condition. The operation took place in the Lanao del Sur province over Thursday and Friday.
The AFP identified the killed individuals as members of Daulah Islamiyah, a pro-Islamic State militant group that gained control of the southern Marawi city in 2017 and held it through five months of ground offensives and air strikes by the military. Among those killed were the two named suspects in the Dec. 3 bombing in a university gymnasium in Marawi that killed at least four people and injured 50 others.
In a statement, Military chief Romeo Brawner said, “The precision and unwavering dedication exhibited in this operation … delivered swift and decisive justice for the victims of the despicable attack. This operation sets a clear precedent: the AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people.”
The AFP said that the four wounded soldiers sustained their injuries during the operation against the Daulah Islamiyah group. Despite sustaining injuries, the soldiers are reported to be in stable condition.
Additionally, the military emphasized the significance of the operation, as it led to the elimination of key suspects in the bombing that occurred at the university gymnasium in Marawi in December. Moreover, the operation underlined the AFP’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and well-being of the country’s citizens from such threats.
Military chief Romeo Brawner affirmed the unwavering dedication and precision that characterized the operation. He emphasized that the swift and decisive justice delivered by the operation underscored the military’s intolerance towards those who pose a threat to the safety and security of the public.
The successful operation demonstrated the commitment and resolve of the AFP to combat terrorism and protect the citizens. The decisive action taken against the pro-Islamic State group sent a clear message that the military will not hesitate to take firm action against those seeking to harm the people of the Philippines.
Reported by Karen Lema, this significant development in the fight against terrorism in the southern Philippines highlights the determination of the government and the military to eradicate militant groups threatening the peace and security of the nation.
