Up to 500 families have been evacuated and communication networks were also deactivated in 3 municipalities due to the military offensive
The military said it captured the Abu Sayyaf Group's crude bomb factory in Basilan province following a military offensive launched Sunday night, November 11.
"Before
midnight of November 9, the joint forces of Western Mindanao Command
(Westmincom) spearheaded by the combined elements of 104th Brigade conducted a
deliberate attack against Abu Sayyaf Group under Furuji Indama and his IED
(Improvised Explosive Device) factory at Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Province,"
said Westmincom spokesperson Captain Rowena Muyuela.
Colonel Rolando
Bautista, commander of the 104th Brigade in Basilan, said
the military offensive included a combination of artillery and mortar fires,
which was followed by a ground assault. Some of the IEDs exploded during the
offensive, he said.
According to
reports from the area, up to 500 families were evacuated due to the military
offensive. The communication networks were also deactivated in 3
municipalities: Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, and Ungkaya Pukan.
Bautista said
they are still validating reported deaths on the part of the Abu Sayyaf.
Local government
officials in Basilan called for intensified military operations
against the Abu Sayyaf following the death of 6 soldiers,
including a junior officer, in an ambush by the Abu Sayyaf. (READ: Basilan's hero: Fresh PMA grad dies in Abu Sayyaf
hands)
"The main
intent of the operation is to allay the fears of the civilians and local
officials in view of the series of atrocities, kidnapping and extortion
committed by the group of Indama," said Muyuela.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/74750-basilan-evacuate-bomb-factory
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