The Philippines declares that IS has 'invaded' the country.

Philippine authorities have confirmed that foreign fighters linked to the Islamic State (IS) were among the militants killed in Marawi City.

The BBC (UK) quoted Philippine President Duterte as saying that the presence of foreign fighters in the rebel forces in Marawi is evidence that ISIS has established a base on Mindanao Island.

According to Philippine officials, six foreign fighters, including Indonesians and Malaysians, were among the rebels killed when government forces launched an operation to suppress insurgents in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province.

In related developments, the Guardian (UK) reported that the Philippine government had issued a statement about an IS invasion of its territory after the group raised a black flag in the southern city of Marawi.

Thousands of Filipinos in Marawi are fleeing their homes to save their lives. To date, at least 46 people have been killed in the fighting, including about 11 civilians.

According to Sputnik