THE military mounted its fiercest operation against the combined Abu Sayyaf-Abu Sofia forces based at Sitio Labak, Barangay Lamitan, Palindong, Sultan Kudarat, last Thursday, resulting to the death of Abu Sofia chieftain identified as Comdr. Bebis Binago and one of their followers. Southern Command spokesman Col. Domingo Tutaan told Sun.Star Zamboanga that troops from the 27th Infantry Battalion were directed to launch an intensified operation in the area. "We have launched continuous operation in the area, because of the report that some 40 Abu Sofia bandits operating there have established their alliance with the Abu Sayyaf to gain notoriety in their activities," Tutaan revealed. He said the on-going operation so far accounted for the death of the Abu Sofia top leader and one of his armed followers. "The Abu Sofia group is engaged in banditry, including kidnapping for ransom in their area," Tutaan said. He said the troops captured from the group one M-16 rifle, one RPG, one .45 caliber pistol, 100 rounds of ammunition from M-60 Light Machine Gun and one improvised explosive device. The troops continue their massive operation against the terrorists hole-out in their sanctuary in Sultan Kudarat, Central Mindanao.