Pale Rider
05-25-2008, 07:24 AM
Filipino Marines Battle muslim Militants
2008-05-25 03:33:39
By JIM GOMEZ Associated Press Writer
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Two Muslim rebel groups, including the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf, attacked a military outpost and a convoy of troops Sunday in the southern Philippines, sparking a clash that killed two guerrillas and wounded 14 marines, the military said.
The fighting between the marines and the combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf broke out after dawn on southern Basilan island, forcing villagers to flee, according to the military and the rebels.
Both sides blamed each other for starting the fighting, which erupted during a withdrawal of Malaysian peacekeepers who have helped stop such violence in the past.
Philippine marines commandant Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino said an unknown number of MILF and Abu Sayyaf guerrillas attacked a marine detachment in Basilan's remote Ungkaya Pukan township at day break, sparking a gunbattle that wounded 10 marines.
Marine reinforcements aboard an armored carrier and trucks were later ambushed by the rebels, setting off a clash near Ungkaya Pukan that killed two rebels and wounded four marines, including an officer. The armored carrier was damaged by a rebel land mine, Dolorfino said.
Government troops were pursuing the attackers, who fled in small groups, and helicopter gunships were on standby in case the conflict escalates. The MILF-led attack violated a cease-fire, he said.
Article continues here... (http://charter.net/news/news_reader.php?storyid=14663745&feedid=249)
2008-05-25 03:33:39
By JIM GOMEZ Associated Press Writer
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Two Muslim rebel groups, including the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf, attacked a military outpost and a convoy of troops Sunday in the southern Philippines, sparking a clash that killed two guerrillas and wounded 14 marines, the military said.
The fighting between the marines and the combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf broke out after dawn on southern Basilan island, forcing villagers to flee, according to the military and the rebels.
Both sides blamed each other for starting the fighting, which erupted during a withdrawal of Malaysian peacekeepers who have helped stop such violence in the past.
Philippine marines commandant Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino said an unknown number of MILF and Abu Sayyaf guerrillas attacked a marine detachment in Basilan's remote Ungkaya Pukan township at day break, sparking a gunbattle that wounded 10 marines.
Marine reinforcements aboard an armored carrier and trucks were later ambushed by the rebels, setting off a clash near Ungkaya Pukan that killed two rebels and wounded four marines, including an officer. The armored carrier was damaged by a rebel land mine, Dolorfino said.
Government troops were pursuing the attackers, who fled in small groups, and helicopter gunships were on standby in case the conflict escalates. The MILF-led attack violated a cease-fire, he said.
Article continues here... (http://charter.net/news/news_reader.php?storyid=14663745&feedid=249)