Thousands in S Philippines flee as troops attack Abu Sayyaf gunmen
Thousands in S Philippines flee as troops attack Abu Sayyaf gunmen
20:29, March 11, 2010 
Email | Print | Subscribe | Comments | Forum 
Thousands of terrified Philippine civilians fled on Thursday as Philippine security forces staged an assault on Al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf gunmen in volatile south Philippines.
More than 6,000 residents have abandoned their homes in Siasi township in Sulu for fear of their safety due to government troops offensive, said Philippine Marine Ground Commander Rustico Guerrero.
Guerrero said they were conducting dialogue with local officials as to how to help civilians affected by their operation.
The 380-strong Abu Sayyaf group, founded in the early 1990s by Islamic extremists, is notorious for kidnappings, bombings and even beheadings in the South over the past decade. Sulu is a base of Abu Sayyaf militants.
Source: Xinhua
More than 6,000 residents have abandoned their homes in Siasi township in Sulu for fear of their safety due to government troops offensive, said Philippine Marine Ground Commander Rustico Guerrero.
Guerrero said they were conducting dialogue with local officials as to how to help civilians affected by their operation.
The 380-strong Abu Sayyaf group, founded in the early 1990s by Islamic extremists, is notorious for kidnappings, bombings and even beheadings in the South over the past decade. Sulu is a base of Abu Sayyaf militants.
Source: Xinhua
Related Reading
Special Coverage
Major headlines
Editor's Pick
Most Popular
Hot Forum Dicussion
