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PHILIPPINE-CLASH-KILLING
45 terrorists killed in Philippine clashes since June 1: military
MANILA, July 8, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – At least 45 militants have been killed
and 28 others injured since the military launched fresh offensive on June 1
against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in southern
Philippines, the military said on Sunday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, based in
Maguindanao province, said the army has so far launched 10 major “sustained
military operations” against the BIFF, an extremist group with links to
Islamic State (IS) fighters.
He said four soldiers have also been killed and 20 others wounded in the
clashes.
“We’ve been conducting the operation for a month and eight days already,”
Sobejana said.
During the continuing military operation, he said the military recovered
28 assorted firearms and 10 improvised explosive devices. The troops also
managed to capture four rebel camps and an IED and firearm making facility,
he added.
Sobejana vowed to continue the military offensive against the BIFF,
expressing hope to destroy the terrorist group.
There are up to 400 BIFF terrorists operating in Mindanao, he said. BIFF
members are mostly disgruntled former members of the larger insurgent group
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed peace accord with the
government.
The BIFF is among the several groups in Mindanao that pledged allegiance
to the Islamic State a few years ago.
BSS/XINHUA/FI/ 1745 hrs