By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY
Troops hunting Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines have killed 24 insurgents, the military said Saturday.
The army launched an offensive to track down fighters of the al-Qaeda-linked group on Sulu island, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold, on Tuesday.
Capt. Rowena Muyuela, spokeswoman for Western Mindanao Command, said 10 militants were killed Saturday as a scout ranger battalion encountered a group led by Radullan Sahiron. Dozens had been wounded, she added.
“Troops are now cordoning the area to thwart the Abu Sayyaf militants under Sahiron from extricating the area,” said Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, the Western Mindanao commander.
Seven soldiers were injured, according to Capt. Antonio Bulao, Joint Task Group Sulu public affairs officer.
Troops discovered two Abu Sayyaf encampments as they pursued militants in Patikul district in the densely forested north of the island. One base consisted of around 50 bunkers capable of accommodating more than 200 fighters, task force commander Col. Alan Arrojado said.
The latest fighting broke out when troops and police from Joint Task Group Sulu encountered around 300 Abu Sayyaf fighters near Patikul town.
Founded in the 1990s, the Abu Sayyaf has gained international attention by kidnapping foreigners for ransom.
