Philippines military offensive against Muslim militants

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JOLO, Philippines, Aug 13 (AFP): The Philippine military launched a new offensive against Muslim militants in the restive south of the country Monday, President Gloria Arroyo announced.
Arroyo insisted the offensive was aimed only at militants and that her government would seek to avoid a wider war and would make efforts to minimise civilian casualties.
But with many in the military enraged by the beheading of 10 Marines several weeks ago, and up to 12,000 troops now deployed on Jolo and Basilan islands, fears have been voiced about a heavy military crackdown.
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the offensive would target the Abu Sayyaf, a notorious militant group responsible for some of the worst attacks in the Philippines -- and one that has been linked by officials to Al-Qaeda.
"The only way it can be stopped is if the Abu Sayyaf and lawless elements put down their arms and surrender," he told a news conference in Manila.