Philippines: Soldiers and Abu Sayyaf militants clash in Sulu July 11

Event

Ten government soldiers were injured and one was killed during clashes with Islamist extremists in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, July 11. Troops clashed with dozens of Abu Sayyaf group militants in a remote area of the town of Patikul (Sulu province). The fighting lasted for a few hours; the army later engaged in pursuit operations to track down the militants, whose leader has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Context

According to Western and Asian intelligence sources, at least ten hostages may currently be held in Sulu by Abu Sayyaf, including five foreign nationals.

Advice

As a reminder, some governments advise their nationals against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to recurrent terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.