23-4-2024 (MANILA) A fierce gun battle between security forces and militants in the southern Philippines has resulted in the death of twelve militants and left seven soldiers injured, according to a statement from the army.
The clash occurred on Monday in Maguindanao del Sur province on Mindanao island, which serves as a stronghold for various armed groups, ranging from communist insurgents to Islamist militants.
The Philippine Army reported that the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction, along with his brother and ten other fighters, were among those killed. Additionally, seven soldiers sustained injuries during the firefight.
In a late Monday statement, the army disclosed that twelve high-powered firearms, including five M16 rifles, were seized by the soldiers.
The southern region of the Philippines has long been plagued by a Muslim separatist insurgency, as well as the presence of extremist groups pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation.
In 2014, Manila reached a historic peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest rebel group in the nation, effectively ending their protracted armed rebellion. However, smaller factions of Muslim fighters who oppose the peace accord continue to operate in the region. Additionally, communist rebels remain active in certain areas.
