Philippine military bombs IS-linked rebels

Philippine military aircraft have precision-bombed a southern city in an effort to destroy an extremist Islamic group linked to IS.

Philippine army soldiers participate in the campaign to destroy the Maute rebel group. Photo: AFP

Philippine military aircraft today dropped more bombs on the southern city of Marawi to destroy Maute Islamist gunmen in a five-day battle, AFP reported.

"We identified their positions and conducted precision airstrikes to destroy the terrorist group," said Philippine military spokesman Jo-Ar Herrera.

Truckloads of marines entered Marawi City, about 800 km south of the capital Manila, to reinforce forces battling rebels.

The Maute group suddenly took over many positions in Marawi City on May 23. Clashes between rebels and government forces have so far left 48 people dead.

Maute gunmen raised the black flag of the Islamic State (IS) group in the areas they had taken over, 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 has vowed to crush the rebels but has also said the government is ready to talk to the group's leaders during the holy month of Ramadan.

Philippine officials say the campaign to destroy rebels in Marawi will be very difficult, although they estimate there are only about 30-40 rebel gunmen left there.

According to VNE