KOTA KINABALU: One of Malaysia's most-wanted terrorists, Abu Sayyaf leader Al Habsi Misaya, is believed to have been killed in a gun battle with Philippines security forces. Al Habsi (pic), who is wanted for numerous high-profile kidnappings in Sabah's east coast, was apparently killed in the Indanan area of Jolo. Philippines military sources said that the gun battle took place at around 9.35pm on Friday when Philippines security forces were tracking down Abu Sayyaf gunmen on the island. Al Habsi was among the four top Abu Sayyaf commanders able to order major kidnappings on the Sabah and southern Philippines sea border. Al Habsi is believed to have financed previous cross-border kidnappings in Sabah by providing fuel money, boats and firearms.

Source: The Star April 29, 2017 03:01 UTC