Philippine army bombs and kills ISIS-affiliated militants.

Philippine military aircraft carried out precision bombing raids on a southern city to eliminate an ISIS-affiliated extremist Islamic group.

Philippine army soldiers participate in an operation to eliminate the Maute rebel group. Photo: AFP

Philippine military aircraft dropped more bombs on the southern city of Marawi today to eliminate Maute Muslim militants in a five-day-long battle, AFP reported.

"We located their fortified position and carried out precision airstrikes to eliminate the terrorist group," said Philippine military spokesman Jo-Ar Herrera.

Columns of trucks carrying marines are entering the city of Marawi, located about 800 km south of the capital Manila, to reinforce forces fighting against insurgents.

The Maute group unexpectedly seized several positions in Marawi City on May 23. Clashes between the rebels and government forces have so far resulted in 48 deaths.

Maute militants planted the black flag of the Islamic State (IS) militants in the areas they occupied, took a Catholic priest and 14 others hostage at a local church, and set fire to several houses in the city.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to eliminate the rebels but also said the government was ready to hold talks with the group's leaders during the Ramadan holiday.

Philippine officials believe the operation to eliminate militants in Marawi will be very difficult, even though they estimate that only about 30-40 militant fighters remain there.

According to VNE