US praises Philippines for victory in Marawi

(Baonghean.vn)- On October 25, US Defense Secretary James Mattis praised Philippine soldiers for defeating Islamic State (IS)-affiliated rebels in the five-month battle in Marawi City, southern Philippines, without any accusations of human rights violations.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (right) and US Defense Secretary James Mattis. Photo: AP

The Pentagon chief's praise for the Philippine military is a rare gesture of appreciation, as the Philippines' human rights record under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration has been strongly criticized by Western countries, including the US, Canada, the EU and Australia.

Marawi City in ruins after five months of fighting. Photo: AP

Speaking to reporters at the end of the two-day ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM+) at the former US air base, Mr. Mattis said: "This is an army that had to participate in such a war, and there are no well-founded human rights accusations against them."

The US provided important tactical intelligence in the campaign to retake Marawi, deploying reconnaissance and stealth aircraft, thermal imaging and eavesdropping equipment to support Philippine soldiers in destroying hundreds of rebels there./.

Lan Ha

(According to Reuters)