
The Philippine military has killed two senior commanders of the Isis-affiliated military groups behind the deadly siege in Marawi City in an operation that defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana believes will lead to "the termination of hostilities in a couple of days".
Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf, touted to be Emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, and Omar Maute of the Maute Group (right), killed in the early hours of Monday, 16 October 2017, Day 147 of the Marawi Crisis.
The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $5 million for Hapilon, whom Washington blames for ransom kidnappings of several Americans, one of whom was beheaded in 2001 in southern Basilan province.
Hapilon was thought to have issued an emergency call for reinforcements from members of the Maute group, which was headed by Omar and his brother Abdullah. Around 100 civilians, including hostages and families of the militants, are also trapped there, Brawner added.
Lorenzana also disclosed that President Rodrigo Duterte was scheduled to visit Marawi again on Monday but said they were "prevailed by the commanders on the ground to postpone the trip because they are going to conduct the assault this morning".
The military previously estimated that they will liberate Marawi by Sunday.
"The implication of this development is that the Marawi incident is nearly over and we may announce the termination of hostilities in a couple of days", Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana has said that their troops are now searching for Malaysian terrorist Mahmud Ahmad, who is believed to be a financier of the terrorist group.
"The only way (ISIS) could do this again is if people in these areas do nothing when they see some foreign-looking people with firearms and explosives, which happened in Marawi", Lorenzana said. A total of 824 Maute terrorists, 167 soldiers, and 47 civilians have been killed in nearly five months of gunbatlles.
More than 1,000 people have been killed in the Marawi violence, including more than 800 militants.
The rebel alliance in Marawi is comprised of fighters from the Maute group, Abu Sayyaf, and aided by foreigners from countries that include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and some Middle East states.
The battle for Marawi began on May 23, when the military launched an operation targeting Hapilon on the island of Mindanao, where Marawi is located.
Asked if martial law in Mindanao will be lifted now that the leaders are dead, Lorenzana replied: "we are not talking about lifting martial law yet".
On Sept. 21, Duterte said that he would lift the martial law once the Marawi conflict is over and cleared of militants.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año said five other terrorists were killed but their identities were not immediately known.
Related News:
-
Resident Evil 7's Free Chris Redfield DLC is Finally Out in December
She wanders the forest alone before the virus takes her over completely and becomes some kind of grey crystal-like substance. The second scenario is End of Zoe , and it stars a man named Joe, who Capcom call "a myserious outdoorsman".Supreme Court won't take case of alleged USS Cole mastermind
The case hinges on whether a USA warrant can compel American companies to turn over data stored on servers outside the United States. "This would create chaos".U.S. detective rescues 9-foot-long Yellow Anaconda with her bare hands
The detective ended her heroic efforts with a simple "Ta-da!" "Thank God for people like you, detective Shaw". The cop is eventually seen lifting the anaconda with her bare hands and transferring it to a bag. -
Gas Prices Falling Across Florida in Aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma
AAA Northeast found in its weekly survey released Monday that the price of self-serve, regular is averaging $2.51 per gallon. Price volatility has been felt across the country, beyond states directly impacted by the storms.Confident Paraguay take on U.S. in 2nd pre-quarters
Timothy Weah led the way with a hat trick and helped the USA run away with a 5-0 win to reach the quarterfinals. The third was a simple and easy chance after Weah was nicely set up by Carleton in front of an open goal .John Kelly To Media: Actually, Trump Loves Me And Hates Nukes
Kelly was pushed further by the press on the issue of him leaving, to which Kelly turned things back onto the media. One his frustrations is you . "It is astounding to me how much is misreported", he told White House reporters. -
Released from Taliban in prisoner exchange, Bowe Bergdahl pleads guilty to desertion
A judge said Bergdhal's maximum possible punishment would be life in prison, but he has not been sentenced yet. US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl is pictured in this undated handout photo provided by the US Army.Sharapova wins Tianjin Open title
Maria Sharapova won the Tianjin Open on Sunday winning her first tournament since her return for a drug ban. The 30-year-old, ranked 86 in the world, was granted a wildcard for Tianjin because her ranking was too low.Watch Kellyanne Conway's Kellywise Eat Up Attention on 'SNL'
After McKinnon won an Emmy for her work on SNL , Conway commented: 'I am so happy Kate McKinnon was able to get her Emmy. I know she thanked Hillary Clinton , but it had to be much more fun to play me'. -
In Malta undermined the vehicle of the journalist, sharply criticizing politicians
Muscat said he has asked the US government and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for help investigating the vehicle bombing. The couple denied claims that they had used secret offshore bank accounts to hide payments from Azerbaijan's ruling family.Cleverley's injury-time goal gives Watford win over Arsenal
I am a bit torn here to be honest, because like most Arsenal fans I think we do lack fight at times. "If you want to come into my world and do that, you can do that".Jets fall to Patriots after controversial replay call
Tom Brady finds Rob Gronkowski across the middle for a 33-yard touchdown as the Patriots take a 21-14 lead over the Jets. Brady hit wide receiver Brandin Cooks with a ideal pass down the sideline and over Morris Claiborne for a 42-yard gain.