Intelligence officials describe Malaysian Mahmud Ahmad as a financier and recruiter, who helped put together the coalition of pro-Islamic State (IS) fighters that stormed Marawi City in May. Ano urged the 30 militants remaining in a shrinking combat zone to surrender and free hostages as troops stepped up their fight. Intelligence officials in Malaysia believe Mahmud left Marawi months ago. RECRUITMENT AND FINANCINGSitting in the inner circle of the Marawi command center, Mahmud controlled recruitment and financing, the IPAC report said. Ahmad El-Muhammady, a lecturer at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and a counter-terrorism advisor to the police, said Mahmud often solicited funds for IS operations.

Source: Egypt Independent October 16, 2017 11:07 UTC