An intense firefight between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and members of the Maute Group started late afternoon on Tuesday in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, amid fear of local residents that a “great war” will come to the city. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it initiated the firefight after receiving reports on the presence of armed men in the city. A clash erupted a few minutes later in Barangay Basak Malutlut when the bandits reportedly ambushed a responding team of military forces. The Philippine Army used ground troops with aerial support and artillery attacks, the residents said, while the IS bandits roamed the city waving the IS flag. Last week, several local residents living near the 103rd Infantry Brigade started vacating their homes after hearing rumors that the IS bandits will stage massive attacks on the city.

Source: Manila Times May 23, 2017 14:03 UTC