Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) – Armed clashes between Muslim guerrillas of the Abu Sayyaf and government troops on the island of Basilan in Mindanao has led to 48 deaths. Military sources report that among the victims of the fighting there are 25 rebels and 23 soldiers.
Rustico Guerrero, Brigadier-General of the army of Manila, said that the clashes took place during "a military operation to enforce the rule of law in the region" home to the main training base of the Islamic fundamentalist group Abu Sayyaf .
Guerrero says that the soldiers, 400 troops, encountered "strong resistance". Officers report that the August 12 clash between military and rebels lasted eight hours and ended with the retreat of the guerrillas into the forest. Military sources say that the operation led to the destruction of the bomb making factory and the training camp of Abu Sayyaf.
The terrorist group is the main extremist group in the region. While relying on a small number of followers, it is estimated to have 350 fighters. Abu Sayyaf is considered responsible for major attacks in the Philippines and is involved in various terrorist actions carried out by Jemaah Islamiah in Southeast Asia.