At least 11 rebels and two soldiers were killed while five others were injured when armed men attacked a marine detachment in a village of the southern Philippine province of Sulu shortly before dawn today.A military source said a large band of rebels assaulted the detachment of the 30th Marine Company in the village of Kabungkol, Talipao Town about 4:40 a.m. local time.
The marines who were under attack retaliated, starting a fierce firefight which left 11 rebels dead, the source said, adding two marines, including a lieutenant, were killed and five others were injured in the ensuing gunbattle.
The marines recovered seven high powered firearms from the dead rebels. Pursuit operations have been initiated.