Philippine troops have killed Moammar Askali, a key commander of Abu Sayyaf militant group, in a clash on the resort island of Bohol in the country’s central region.
Moammar Askali
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano on April 12 said Moammar Askali, also known as Abu Rami, was accused of the kidnap and execution of Canadian and German hostages.
Troops have recovered and identified the body of Moammar Askali at the scene of the clash in the island, where five other Abu Sayyaf gunmen were also killed in the fighting on April 11, along with four Philippine soldiers.
To prevent kidnappings targeting foreign tourists in the resort island, soldiers from the land force, naval force and air force of the Philippines have been sent to the island to support local authorities in chasing armed elements.
Abu Sayyaf is accused of standing behind the worst terror attacks in the Philippines. The group’s leaders declared allegiance to the self-claimed Islamic State (IS).
VNA
