Philippine army launches renewed push in Marawi
Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine aircraft and troops launched a
renewed push against Islamist militants in southern Marawi city on June 20.
Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, a military spokesman of the Philippines said the
military gained ground and is expanding its vantage positions in the city.
Early the day, local security force enhanced attack with automatic guns, armoured
vehicles and artillery, pushing insurgents in commercial districts on the
southern fringe of the city.
A news sources said the military arranged security forces in houses and
buildings retaken from the rebel force to avoid the risk of recapture.
Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla, another military spokesman of
the country said the military aimed to prevent the conflict from escalating
after Ramadan ends.
The offensive came amid worry that rebel reinforcements could
arrive in the city after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy
month of Ramadan.
The army is also closely watching certain groups and hopes they
will not join the fight, Padilla said.
Army and police commanders of the Philippines met in nearby
Cagayan de Oro city to reassess strategy and operations against the militants,
who claim allegiance to Islamic State.
As of June 19, the military said 258 militants, 65 security
personnel and 26 civilians had been killed. Hundreds of people are unaccounted
for, with many believed to be hiding in the basements of the city. - VNA