Hanoi (VNA)– Philippinetroops have killed Moammar Askali, a keycommander of Abu Sayyaf militant group, in a clash on theresort island of Bohol in the country’s central region.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano on April 12 said MoammarAskali, also known as Abu Rami, was accused of the kidnap and execution of Canadian andGerman hostages.
Troops have recoveredand identified the body of Moammar Askali at the scene of the clash in theisland, where five other Abu Sayyaf gunmen were also killed in the fighting onApril 11, along with four Philippine soldiers.
To prevent kidnappings targeting foreign tourists in the resort island, soldiersfrom the land force, naval force and air force of the Philippines have been sentto the island to support local authorities in chasing armed elements.
Abu Sayyaf is accused of standing behind the worst terror attacks in the Philippines.The group’s leaders declared allegiance to theself-claimed Islamic State (IS).-VNA
VNA