ADVERTISEMENT

Troops fire artillery at Islamic militants in south

Mortar bombs could be heard in the distance as an MG-520 helicopter gunship flew overhead, a reporter in the town said.

Philippine troops fire their 105mm howitzer cannons towards Islamic militant group positions from their base near Butig town in Lanao del Sur province, on the southern island of Mindanao, on November 27, 2016

Troops used 105 mm artillery to blast the positions of the Maute group in the nearly deserted town of Butig in the second day of fighting since the gunmen -- who claim allegiance to the Islamic State group -- occupied Butig's abandoned town hall.

Most of the 17,000 residents of the largely Muslim town on Mindanao island fled to evacuation centres in neighbouring towns or to relatives elsewhere after the Maute incursion on Saturday, said Mayor Dimnatang Pansar.

"We can't fight the Maute with only 20 policemen," he said, appealing for more soldiers to be assigned there.

ADVERTISEMENT

Only a few residents stayed in their homes as armoured vehicles and military snipers fanned out through the town streets, slowly advancing on the Maute group's position.

Armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, citing what he called "intelligence sources", said 11 of the militants had been killed and five wounded.

Padilla said their bodies had not yet been recovered. Two soldiers were wounded in the battle, he added.

Reporters in Butig said the military had obtained photographs showing the Maute group flying the black IS flag over the old town hall.

However they themselves were not allowed to get close enough to verify this.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another military spokesman, Colonel Edgard Arevalo, said this symbolic action was expected.

"They have long been professing allegiance to the foreign terror group. This is still part of the Maute group's agenda in courting support and encouraging similar-minded individuals to support ISIS," he said in a statement, using another acronym for IS.

The Maute group is one of several armed Islamist organisations in Mindanao which have pledged allegiance to Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria.

In past clashes with troops, its members were seen carrying black IS flags and bandannas bearing the jihadists' insignia were found in their base, the military said.

Three members of the Maute group were arrested last month, accused of the September bombing that left 15 people dead in Davao, Duterte's home town and Mindanao's largest city.

ADVERTISEMENT

Government forces captured a Maute training camp in the town in June after a 10-day gunbattle that left four soldiers and dozens of militants dead, according to an army account.

The Maute group, once described by the military as a small-time extortion gang, attacked a remote army outpost in Butig in February, triggering a week of fighting that the military said left six soldiers and 12 militants dead.

The group also beheaded two employees of a local sawmill in April, the military has said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT