Philippines: 18 soldiers dead in Basilan clashes
At least 18 Philippine soldiers were killed and 53 others wounded during clashes between government troops and the Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf group on Basilan island on April 9.
Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf rebels (Photo: AP)Hanoi (VNA) – At least 18 Philippine soldiers were killed and 53 others wounded during clashes between government troops and the Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf group on Basilan island on April 9, according to the Philippine military.
Spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command Major Filemon Tan said that four soldiers were beheaded in the fighting against about a hundred Abu Sayyaf rebels.
Five Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed, including one Moroccan national, and 20 others were injured in a nine-hour gun battle on the island of Basilan, he said, adding that military operations were launched against the group after a series of abductions of foreigners.
Established in the 1990s, Abu Sayyaf consists of some 400 Muslim extremist rebels in the southern Philippines. They are infamous for kidnapping foreigners and demanding huge ransoms as well as carrying out beheadings.
The group was said to be responsible for the worst terrorist attacks in the Philippines, including the 2004 Manila Bay ferry bombing which left 100 dead.
It is fighting for an independent Islamic nation in the region.-VNA
You should also see
Semiconductor workforce development a breakthrough: PM
Human resources development in semiconductors should be considered a breakthrough in personnel training, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at a conference in Hanoi on April 24.
See more
World
Danger warning issued for Thailand’s Bangkok as extreme heat bites
Thai authorities on April 24 issued an extreme heat warning for Bangkok, urging people to stay indoors for their safety as temperatures soared.
World
Schools in Philippines go online amid extreme heat
Record heat in the Philippines in April has forced schools to send children home for online classes.
ASEAN
UK supports ASEAN’s economic integration
The UK delegation to ASEAN held a seminar in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 24 to discuss the ASEAN-UK economic integration programme.
World
Cambodia, Laos vow to boost bilateral ties
Cambodia and Laos vowed to boost their bilateral relations and cooperation for mutual benefits during Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s State visit to the neighbouring country on April 23-24.
World
Bank Indonesia raises interest rates to highest level in 7 years
Bank Indonesia (BI) on April 24 raised interest rates to their highest level in seven years.
