Soldiers of the Philippines conduct patrol in Mindanao after the martial law was imposed on May 24. (Source: EPA/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippine armywith support of helicopters and armoured tanks launched a raid on Islamist militantsinside the southern city of Marawi on May 25.
The move came afterPresident Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao to address violence causedby Islamic militants who pledged allegiance with the self-claimed Islamic State(IS).
Philippine authorities said ending violence on theisland was difficult as Islamic militants were hiding in residential buildings,had planted improvised bombs in the streets and had taken several hostages.
According to some Philippine military officials, therewere about 50-100 Islamic gunmen on the island. A localbishop said that between 12 and 15 Catholic hostages were abducted by themilitants.
The violence in the city eruptedon May 23 after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander ofthe Abu Sayyaf group and leader of a branch of IS in the country.
Five soldiers, one policeofficer and 13 gunmen were killed in the clashes.
The city of Marawi has about200,000 people, but many residents evacuated due to recent unrest.
Meanwhile, Philippine Secretaryof Finance Carlos Domimguez on May 25 affirmed the martial law in Mindanaowould not affect business activities and investment on the island.-VNA
