Malaysia ends operation vs Sulu sultanate's followers

From  InterAksyon (Jun 29): Malaysia ends operation vs Sulu sultanate's followers

Malaysian authorities Saturday announced that an operation in Sabah to flush out armed followers of the sultanate of Sulu was over, four months after the Filipinos landed to stake their historical claim to the territory in east Borneo and sparking a security crisis.

Fighting between the sultanate’s followers and security forces -- deemed Malaysia's worst security crisis in recent years -- killed at least 68 Filipinos and 10 Malaysian security personnel.

Musa Aman, chief minister of Sabah state, was quoted by The Star online as saying the operation to chase the remnants of the sultanate followers and their sympathizers, who were in hiding, had ended.

But a security zone has been set up with troops permanently stationed along the coastline -- previously known for its lawlessness and lax border control -- where the gunmen landed.

For centuries, people have moved back and forth across the porous sea border separating Sabah and the southern Philippines.

The security breach aroused heated sentiments on both sides with many Malaysians outraged over the incursion, while the Philippines came under pressure to protect its citizens' lives.

Scores of Filipinos captured as part of the operation have been charged in Malaysian courts, including with terrorism-related offences.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65203/malaysia-ends-operation-vs-sulu-sultanates-followers