MANILA, Philippines - The Australian government has deployed two spy planes in Mindanao to help the Philippine government in its ongoing campaign to liberate Marawi City from the Islamic State (IS)-linked Maute terror group. Australia is the second country to confirm providing military hardware to support Filipino troops battling the Maute militants. The trilateral security meeting happened as Philippine security forces are trying to clear Marawi City of the Maute group. Some American lawmakers have expressed concerns over Marawi City becoming an IS hub and suggested US troops in the Philippines be given a greater role in the operations in Mindanao. Meanwhile, militant groups are calling on President Duterte to stop the aerial bombing of Marawi City, saying it would only worsen the plight of residents and further fuel extremism.

Source: Philippine Star June 23, 2017 16:17 UTC