ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A Malaysian bomb expert was among those believed killed in the military offensive to capture an Abu Sayyaf camp in Al-Barka, Basilan, an official said yesterday.
“There was information that a foreign militant was among the fatalities. This information is being validated since the troops have not penetrated the main lair yet,” Maj. Felimon Tan, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said.
Tan was referring to Najib Hussein, alias Abu Anas, a Malaysian militant who has been training the Abu Sayyaf in bomb making.
Reports said Hussein has links with the Islamic State.
The military reported that 15 Abu Sayyaf militants and three soldiers were killed in the encounters in Basilan, which started early this week.
Tan said special operating units of the military are closing in on the Abu Sayyaf lair.
“The troops cannot just enter…as they are being picked out by snipers of the Abu Sayyaf,” he said. “Most of our casualties were due to sniper fire.”
Isnilon Hapilon, Nurhassan Jamiri and Furuji Indama are leading the bandits.
Tan appealed to the public to pray for the safety of the soldiers involved in the operations.