Philippines gains control of militants’ command centre in Marawi

MARAWI — The Philippine military said yesterday it had captured the command centre of the Islamic State (IS) group supporters who have besieged a southern city for nearly four months.

The military said it had captured the militants’ control centre in a deadly operation that began on Saturday against a mosque and another building.

“This enormous (military) gain further weakened the terrorist group by denying them their erstwhile command and control hub,” said military chief General Eduardo Ano in a statement.

“As follow up and clearing operations continue, we expect the enemy to yield more previously occupied positions, but not without a fight,” he said. “We are ready for that.”

Security forces have engaged in ferocious street-to-street combat and launched airstrikes in efforts to expel the fighters from Marawi, in a battle that has left 800 dead and raised fears that the IS is looking to establish a South-east Asian base in the Philippines.

Presidential adviser Jesus Dureza said troops rescued a Roman Catholic priest and another civilian who were among dozens of people abducted in May when hundreds of militants laid siege to Marawi.

Colonel Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of the task force battling the militants, said troops were working to eradicate up to 80 remaining militants who may be holding more than 40 hostages.

With fewer fighters, the militants have forced some of their hostages to join the fighting and have resorted to improvised bombs and booby traps to slow the military advance, he said.

At least two militant leaders, Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, were believed to still be with the gunmen in Marawi, said Col Brawner.

“It’s very important that we get their leaders so there will be no repeat of what happened in Marawi. We do not want this kind of terrorism to flourish or expand,” he said.

In the once-bustling city, gunfire could still be heard ringing out in the distance as troops, backed by armoured vehicles, pressed towards militant positions.

The rubble-strewn streets of Marawi were practically empty except for scores of heavily armed soldiers securing the area. Philippine aircraft and an American P-3 Orion spyplane flew above the city.

Hundreds of armed extremists flying the black flag of the IS movement occupied Marawi, the Islamic capital of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23.

The government said 666 militants, at least 147 government troops and 47 civilians have since been killed in the battle, which has forced thousands to flee their homes.

President Rodrigo Duterte has deployed thousands of troops and imposed martial law across the southern third of the country to deal with the crisis. AGENCIES