On November 3, the Philippines military eliminated seven terrorists of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group in a special naval operation.
In a statement, the Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines said the terrorists were traveling aboard a twin engine speed boat at the waters of Sulu sea off Sulare Island when they were intercepted then eliminated by troops from the Joint Task Force – Sulu (JTF-S).
The special operation was planned by JTF- Sulu Commander Major General William N. Gonzales. An AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter of the Philippine Air Force and a Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) of the Philippine Navy, with the Scout Rangers and Special Forces on board, took part in the operation.
“Exchanges of fires transpired, which lasted for 25 minutes, and resulted in the sinking of the boat utilised by more or less seven ASG members,” Western Command head Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan said in a statement.
The Philippines military released a video of the special naval operation, showing the MPAC vessel running over the terrorists’ boat.
WATCH: Actual footage of @PN_Speak Multi-Purpose Assault Craft ramming the speedboat of Abu Sayyaf Group, killing 7 ASG kidnappers onboard.#AFPyoucanTRUST
Video courtesy of JTF SULU pic.twitter.com/bCuQDMNjOU
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) November 3, 2020
At 2:15AM today, troops of JTF – Sulu intercepted and killed 7 ASG kidnappers aboard a twin engine speed boat at the open waters of Sulu Sea
1st Photo: MPAC of @PN_Speak ramming the speed boat of the ASG Kidnappers.
Other photos: Speed boat of ASG#AFPyoucanTRUST pic.twitter.com/lSNm68p6RX
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) November 3, 2020
Among those eliminated in the operation were Madsmar Sawadjaan, brother of bomber Mundi Sawadjaan, and Mannul Sawadjaan, also known as “Abu Amara,” who replaced deceased Abu Sayyaf senior leader Hajan Sawadjaan as emir.
Abu Sayyaf, known by ISIS as the Islamic State – East Asia Province, has long been battling for the independence of the southern region of Mindanao, which they regard as their homeland.
The group eliminated in the operation was reportedly planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao. Abu Sayyaf terrorists are infamous for kidnappings.
Abu Sayyaf, officially known by ISIL as the Islamic State – East Asia Province, is a Jihadist militant and pirate group that follows the Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam.