Troops thwart Sayyafs bombing attempt

From the Sun Star (Apr 4): Troops thwart Sayyafs bombing attempt

MARINE forces have averted a plan of the Abu Sayyaf bandits to set off an improvised bomb during a clearing operation in the hinterlands of Sulu, an official said Friday.

The troops safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) placed by the Abu Sayyaf bandits inside a hut at Sitio Gabban in the village of Kabuntakas, Patikul, Sulu.

Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, Task Force Zambasulta information officer, said the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT-10) troops were conducting clearing operation around 9 a.m. Friday when they noticed an IED triggering device.

Ramos said the IED was buried on the ground inside the hut in an area, which is believed to be an encampment of the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Ramos said the Marines’ explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) team recovered an ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO)-type improvised bomb with 81-millimeter mortar ammunition as the main charge and mechanical pressured-type triggering device.

He said the troops also recovered two empty cartridges, 81-mm and two empty cartridges 60-mm in the area.

“The IED was buried inside the hut with a set of flashlight placed on the ceiling to inflict casualty to curious person who will attempt to check the flashlight,” he said.

He said the troops have also found newly-built huts with a lecture area, lookout post, and anti-artillery dug-ins during the clearing operations.

The discovery of the IED came a day after the Marine troops killed in a clash two Abu Sayyaf bandits in the nearby village of Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/04/04/troops-thwart-sayyafs-bombing-attempt-400779