DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO — The military has launched air strikes Saturday against pro-Islamic State (IS) rebels in Maguindanao as they intensified efforts to crush these militants operating in Mindanao. Major Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Division, told the Inquirer two OV-10 planes dropped eight 250-pound bombs on the position of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the marshy areas of Sultan sa Barongis town. Troops in the region were placed in full alert following intelligence reports indicating that 40 foreign jihadists had entered the region, according to ground military commander Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. Sobejana said they received reports showing 30 to 40 foreign terrorists may have set foot in their area of operations. “The Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operates in these provinces.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 02, 2019 04:30 UTC