MANILA: At least 18 soldiers and five militants have been killed during fierce clashes in the south of Philippines.
The Philippines military says 18 soldiers have been killed in fierce fighting with the insurgent in the south of the country.
Philippines military said that more than 50 other soldiers were wounded on Saturday during the clashes with members of the Abu Sayyaf group on Basilan island.
Five militants including a Moroccan national were killed, the army said. The army was reportedly targeting an Abu Sayyaf commander who has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
The US government has offered a reward of up to $5m (£3.5m) for information leading to the capture of Isnilon Hapilon.
“Our group was heading to attack them. On the way, they were ambushed,” Colonel Benedict Manquiquis, spokesman for the army unit involved in the battle said.
“The enemy had the high ground so no matter where our soldiers fled to seek cover, they could still be hit by the heavy firepower and improvised explosive devices,” he said.
Among the five militants killed were a Moroccan, Mohammed Khattab and one of Hapilon’s sons, Ubaida. Government forces had moved against Abu Sayyaf after a series of abductions of foreigners, regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan said.
