The Philippine Military said 14 Abu Sayyaf were killed in air strikes in Sulu days after they beheaded a Canadian hostage. Artillery fire rained on ASG positions while helicopter gunships flew over to drop rockets on the bandits that was believed to be holding atleast 20 hostages. “As a result of the bombardments… they were able to occupy the former places occupied by the Abu Sayyaf that resulted in the recovery of Ridsdel’s torso,” military spokesperson Col. Noel Detoyato told reporters in Manila. The locals said 14 bandits were killed but no bodies were found. The offensive began last saturday which targeted the Abu Sayyaf Commander Radullan Sahiron. President Aquino vowed to neutralize the bandits, who have declared allegiance to the Islamic State.
The bandits hostages were 18 indonesian and malaysian nationals kidnapped in Philippine waters. MD-520, Huey helicopters and OV-10 bronco were deployed to support ground troops from the air. Atleast 18 government troops were killed in last clash that occured in Basilan. The troops were searching for the hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Military Offensive will continue until they neutralize the bandits and recover the hostages safe.
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