Government troops in The Philippines have killed an Abu Sayyaf commander in an attack on a rebel stronghold on the southern island of Jolo, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports July 2.
In an attack which could endanger a potential peace deal in the southern Philippines, government troops fired on the Moro Islamic Liberatation Front, or MLIF, during the pursuit of Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.
Two weeks ago in Libya the MILF signed a ceasefire with the Philippines government raising hopes of progress towards peace. Philippines troops have accused the MILF of sheltering Abu Sayyaf fighters. In a separate assault on the Island Jolo, Philippines troops killed an Abu Sayyaf commander, Abdul Muksan - one of the key leaders involved in past kidnappings of foreigners. He was said to have been killed still holding the trigger on his rifle. Abu Sayyaf gunmen still hold 23 hostages including at least two Americans on the neighbouring island of Basilan.
Government troops in The Philippines have killed an Abu Sayyaf commander in an attack on a rebel stronghold on the southern island of Jolo, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports July 2.