Bomb kills 2 soldiers in Basilan

A homemade bomb believed to have been set off by Abu Sayyaf militants killed two soldiers yesterday in Basilan, the military said.

The two soldiers were part of a security detail guarding a highway used by troops and civilians in the province, said Ensign Chester Ramos, a regional military spokesman.

Though largely on the run following years of US-backed military offensives, the Abu Sayyaf group remains a threat in Basilan and nearby islands.

At least 15 people, including children and police officers, were wounded in two separate explosions blamed on the Abu Sayyaf near a mosque at a police compound on Jolo island in May.

The Abu Sayyaf is estimated to number about 400 fighters, and has turned to ransom kidnappings and extortion to survive following setbacks from the military offensives.