Indonesia: Troops deployed to North Sulawesi province May 31

Event

The Indonesian army deployed troops to Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province to prevent Islamist militants established in the Philippine city of Marawi since May 23 from progressing into Indonesian territory. Heightened security measures will be introduced in the whole region. Troops from New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei are involved in the operation.

The military will also patrol the sea around Sangir Island, located some 520 km (320 mi) from Marawi in North Sulawesi province.

Context

The official death toll from over a week of fighting in Marawi between the Philippine military and Islamic State (IS) affiliated militants has neared 100, including 60 militants. An estimated 100 militants entered Marawi on May 23, following a botched raid carried out by security forces on a hideout of the commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, Isnilon Hapilon. Hapilon is wanted by the United States for carrying out terrorist attacks targeting US citizens in the Philippines. He is also suspected of attempting to unite Philippine militant groups that have pledged allegiance to IS.

Abu Sayyaf is known for kidnapping people for ransom in the Philippines’ southwestern Mindanao island (especially in Zamboanga province) and in the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan provinces).

Advice

Individuals present in the region are advised to remain vigilant, to monitor the situation, and to obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

On a related note, most Western government advised against nonessential travel to the eastern Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, to Central Sulawesi province (especially Palu, Poso, and Tentena), and to Maluku province (especially Ambon), due to potential for violent conflict.