Monday, April 11, 2016

'Meeting engagement' caused most of gov't casualties in Basilan clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): 'Meeting engagement' caused most of gov't casualties in Basilan clash

"Meeting engagement" or fighting in extremely close ranges coupled with detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) caused the huge number of casualties from the military side in Saturday's clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, adding firing ranges were sometimes down to only 10 meters.

Short engagement ranges, coupled with the ASG tactics of using IEDs as early warning devices, and sniping, caused most of the military casualties.

This took place during the initial part of the engagement, he added.

Most of the slain and wounded troopers are from the 44th Infantry Battalion, he added.

Eighteen soldiers and 53 others were wounded in the more than nine-hour clash between military units and ASG bandits in Barangay Baguidan, Tipo-Tipo last April 9.

The encounter started 7:55 a.m. and lasted until 5:30 p.m.

There was also an ASG attempt to behead two of the slain soldiers but these were prevented by covering fire of surviving troops, Padilla said.

As this develops, the AFP spokesperson said all available resources like close-air attack aircraft, artillery and armored units were made available to support the operations against the ASG bandits.

However, poor weather conditions, prompted the cancellation of the aerial bombardment missions, forcing the military to double its artillery strikes against ASG positions.

However, the well-entrenched ASG positions which managed to deflect shell fragments well aside from being covered by vegetation.

Meanwhile, armored units were not able to play their full role due to the rough and hilly terrain.

But despite these handicaps, troops still went on their mission, Padilla added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=875266

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.