The fight against Islamists in city of Marawi in south of Philippines is finished according to government of country. "We are now announcing end of all fighting in Marawi," said Philippine Defense minister, Dolphin Lorenzana. There are no more insurgents in city.
The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had already announced last week that Marawi was "liberated from influence of terrorists." The Philippine military had previously reported death of two leaders of terror militia "Islamic State" in battles for city on island of Mindanao. But fighting continued to last. Lastly, Islamists had retired to a mosque that military was now storming. Soldiers barged 42 corpses out of building. Lorenzana did not comment on exact cause of death of men. Hostages that Islamists held re were already liberated a few days ago, said minister.
U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis praised Philippine armed forces. The military sent "a very strong message to terrorists." The Philippine government troops were supported by United States in fight against Islamists. The Philippines are mostly Catholic. In May, Islamists had set mselves up in Marawi on Philippines island of Mindanao, to invoke a caliphate re on model of IS.
Since n Philippines are fighting in Marawi against jihadists. The extremist group tolls has sworn allegiance to IS, but is independent of combatants in Syria and Iraq. In conflict, more than 1,000 people died, according to army figures overwhelmingly Islamist insurgents. In battles, according to government figures, is chief in Souast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, was also killed. He was on US list of most wanted terrorists in world.
In region around Marawi lies a center of Islamic faith in Philippines. Muslim rebels have been fighting for independence or autonomy for 40 years. The largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is conducting negotiations with government for an end to uprising and distancing itself from IS. About half a million inhabitants had to leave ir homes. President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law on region. A lot of Marawis lies in ruins.
Date Of Update: 24 October 2017, 12:03
