Two rebels killed in clash in southern Philippines

Two rebels killed in clash in southern Philippines

2011-04-16 21:22:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES (BNO NEWS) -- Two Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed and six other persons were wounded on Saturday in a clash with government troops in Basilan province in the southern Philippines, the local Inquirer newspaper reported.

Army Colonel Alexander Macario said soldiers were patrolling in the village of Buug Macalang in Albarkah town when they clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen led by Nurhassan Jamiri, a notorious leader involved in high-profile kidnappings in Basilan. He also figured in the 2007 ambush in Albarkah and beheading of seven of 14 Marines killed in a battle.

"The slain Abu Sayyaf are body count. We suffered three wounded in action—all members of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion," Macario said, as cited by the Inquirer.

Macario also said soldiers recovered four assault rifles, one grenade launcher, and assorted paraphernalia from the scene of the clash.

The al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf is a band of self-styled Islamists that has been blamed for some of the worst terrorist attacks in the Philippines and high-profile kidnappings involving foreign hostages.

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