Nine soldiers killed in Philippines ambush
Friday, 10 August 2007
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines, Aug 9 (AFP): Muslim extremists killed nine soldiers, and wounded two others, in an ambush on their convoy Thursday in the southern Philippines, the military said.
The attack took place outside Maimbung town on the island of Jolo as the soldiers headed to the market for provisions, said local military spokesman Major Eugene Batara.
"We have reports that the Abu Sayyaf were the ones who attacked them," he added, saying the gunmen also took six M-16 rifles.
The attack is the latest in an escalation of violance in the restive south where troops have been massing since July 10 when 14 Marines were killed on Basilan. Ten of the Marines were beheaded.
At least three Abu Sayyaf extremists and a soldier were killed Wednesday and two Marines wounded Tuesday in clashes in Jolo island.
The attack took place outside Maimbung town on the island of Jolo as the soldiers headed to the market for provisions, said local military spokesman Major Eugene Batara.
"We have reports that the Abu Sayyaf were the ones who attacked them," he added, saying the gunmen also took six M-16 rifles.
The attack is the latest in an escalation of violance in the restive south where troops have been massing since July 10 when 14 Marines were killed on Basilan. Ten of the Marines were beheaded.
At least three Abu Sayyaf extremists and a soldier were killed Wednesday and two Marines wounded Tuesday in clashes in Jolo island.