2 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / November 2, 2009) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a military post Monday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, sparking a firefight that wounded two soldiers, officials said.

Officials said a still undetermined number of militants were either killed or injured in the clash in the village of Bato-Bato in Indanan town.

“Marines who were manning an observation post encountered an undetermined number of fully armed terrorists. The firefight lasted for about five minutes and the terrorists were forced to withdraw, dragging their numerous casualties,” said Marine Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a regional military spokesman.

He said troops were deployed to clear the area around the military post.

Dozens of soldiers and rebels, including two members of the US Special Forces helping the local military defeat the Abu Sayyaf, were killed and wounded since fighting erupted in September in Sulu province.

The war was triggered by a military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf which coincided with the celebration of the Eid al-Fit’r, which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A few hundred US troops are deployed in Sulu since 2006 and have been aiding Filipino forces in fighting terrorism. (Mindanao Examiner)