Philippines: MILF fighters join military offensive in Marawi /update 2

Event

Media sources reported on Wednesday, September 6, the Philippine military is working with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to defeat the Maute group, an Islamic State (IS) affiliate and MILF offshoot, in Marawi (Lanao del Sur province). The Philippine military is reportedly providing indirect fire support, air support, and intelligence to the former militants. Hundreds of MILF fighters are believed to be participating in the offensive against the Maute group.

According to military commanders, the roughly 60 remaining Maute group fighters in Marawi have been contained to a 500 m2 (1640 ft2) area following a three-month military siege. On Tuesday, September 5, security officials told reporters that one of the leaders of the Maute group may have been killed in a recent airstrike. IS sympathizers have reportedly been posting tributes to Abdullah Maute on social media since Monday, September 4, suggesting that he is dead. However, the government has not found any physical evidence that Abdullah was killed. Despite their encirclement, Maute group fighters continue to endure military airstrikes and hold hostages. Expect heavy fighting to continue in Marawi in coming weeks.

Context

Military officials announced on Friday, September 1, that soldiers have made progress in the final offensive against IS-linked militants in the city of Marawi on Mindanao island. President Rodrigo Duterte said that martial law will remain in effect across Mindanao as the offensive in Marawi continues and due to other incidents of violence across the island.​

Fighting has been ongoing in Marawi since May 23, following a botched government raid on a hideout sheltering Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group. Around 1000 people, including over 600 militants, 145 security personnel, and 45 civilians have died in the fighting. An estimated 600,000 people have also been displaced from the city. Martial law went into effect on the island within hours of the outbreak of fighting. The Philippine legislature voted on July 22 to renew martial law on the island of Mindanao until December 31.

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid the region surrounding Marawi, to monitor the situation, and to obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, most Western governments formally advise against all travel to southwest Mindanao and to the Sulu Archipelago due to terrorist activity, regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups, and the risk of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf.