[ALMASDARNEWS] The Philippine Armed Forces are slowly regaining lost urban territory in the embattled city of Marawi, advancing through its western suburbs towards the city center and harbour which remain under Islamic State...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling
Allaharound with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not
reallyMoslems....
control for now.
Thus far, at least 35 ISIS
those who apply themselves too closely to little things often become incapable of great things...
some 80 government troops and 9 civilians have died since festivities began on Tuesday with the ISIS-linked Abu Sayyaf
...also known as al-Harakat al-Islamiyya, an Islamist terror group based in Jolo, Basilan and Zamboanga. Since its inception in the early 1990s, the group has carried out bombings, kidnappings, murders, head choppings, and extortion in their uniquely Islamic attempt to set up an independent Moslem province in the Philippines. Abu Sayyaf forces probably number less than 300 cadres. The group is closely allied with remnants of Indonesia's Jemaah Islamiya and has loose ties with MILF and MNLF who sometimes provide cannon fodder...
and Maute groups capturing most of the lovely provincial capital of Lanao at the time.
The attack on Marawi, a mainly Moslem city of 200,000 residents, has led to a fierce four-day battle, with the army deploying attack helicopters and special forces.
While up to 90 percent of Marawi’s people have fled amid the fighting, many who were trapped or refused to leave their homes have impeded military assaults, officials said.
Philippine fighter aircraft also unleashed rocket fire against forces of Evil on Saturday, prompting villagers to hoist white flags to avoid being targeted.
Pictures of Islamic State forces of Evil recently emerged through Amaq Agency, reaffirming their presence across Marawi. A recent ambush also took place in the countryside south of the city where ISIS snipers have increased their activity.