MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine forces killed an Abu Sayyaf militant, who had been implicated in past beheadings, including of 10 Filipino marines and two kidnapped Vietnamese, in a clash in the south, police officials said Friday.
Philippine police, backed by military intelligence agents, killed Nawapi Abdulsaid in a brief gunbattle Wednesday night in the remote coastal town of Hadji Mohammad Ajul on Basilan island after weeks of surveillance, security officials said.
Abu Sayyaf is a small but violent armed Muslim group, which has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization for ransom kidnappings, beheadings, bombings and other bloody attacks.
It has been considerably weakened by battle setbacks, surrenders and infighting, but remains a security threat particularly in the southern Philippines, home to minority Muslims in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.
76ers president Daryl Morey has big plans to build NBA title team around Embiid and Maxey
Hezbollah field commander, 3 fighters killed in Israeli strikes in S. Lebanon
Emission capping in focus as scientists predict hotter 2024
Ecuador calls OAS resolution on Mexican embassy raid "fair"
Chile to recall ambassador from Venezuela for consultations
Hezbollah field commander, 3 fighters killed in Israeli strikes in S. Lebanon
Feature: How Chinese are helping Suriname turn around its farming fortunes
Teacher Appreciation Week: Top school's staff go 'beyond the textbook'
Mexico protests to UN chief over Ecuador's raid on embassy
DJ Chark Jr. signs with the Los Angeles Chargers
Emission capping in focus as scientists predict hotter 2024