Pro-ISIS militants kill 2 soldiers in Maguindanao

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 4, 2020): Pro-ISIS militants kill 2 soldiers in Maguindanao

Two army soldiers were killed and another was wounded in fierce clashes with pro-ISIS militants in the town of Datu Hoffer in the restive province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Officials said the Sunday fighting erupted in the village called Talibadok after members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked patrolling soldiers and sparking a firefight.

“An exchange of gunfire ensued which lasted for 45 minutes with the government incurring two killed and one wounded in action, while undetermined on the enemy side. Battle casualties were immediately extricated and evacuated to the nearest hospital,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.

“We are deeply saddened by the report that two of our brave soldiers were killed in action while performing their duties for the good of humanity. We will make sure that these terrorists, who are obviously desperate to strike back during this time when we are all working to defeat the corona virus, will pay for their treacherous acts,” he added.

Sobejana ordered security forces to track down the gunmen, whose leaders have pledged allegiance with ISIS and is now fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the troubled region. (Mindanao Examiner)

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