Philippine authorities have confirmed that foreign fighters affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) were among the militants killed in Marawi City.
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| Smoke billows from the sky near a market after government helicopters fired rockets at Islamic State militants in Marawi. Photo: AFP |
BBC (UK) quoted Philippine President Duterte as saying that the presence of foreign fighters among the rebel forces in Marawi is evidence that IS has established a base on Mindanao island.
Six foreign fighters, including Indonesians and Malaysians, were among the rebels killed when government troops launched an operation to suppress rebels in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province, according to Philippine officials.
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| Locals took whatever they could and ran to safety. Some ran on foot, others drove. Traffic was paralyzed on the main roads in and out of Marawi. Photo: AFP |
In a related development, the Guardian newspaper (UK) reported that the Philippine government has issued a statement about an "invasion" by IS into the country's territory after they raised a black flag in the southern city of Marawi.
Thousands of Filipinos in Marawi are fleeing their homes for their lives. At least 46 people have been killed in the fighting, including about 11 civilians.
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| Philippine soldiers take children to shelter - Photo: EPA |
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| Although the military has helped evacuate people from villages around Marawi, scenes of chaos still prevail as people flee en masse. Photo: EPA |
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| Armored vehicles and government soldiers are deployed to Marawi. Photo: Reuters |
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| Evacuation centers were quickly set up to support people in Marawi. Photo: Reuters |
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| Evacuated villagers take shelter in a school. Photo: EPA |
According to Tuoi Tre
