06 Sep 2017 | 04:50 PM UTC
Philippines: Military advances in Marawi September 1 /update 1
Security forces capture key bridge in Marawi as clashes with Islamic State (IS)-linked militants continue on September 1; three soldiers killed and 52 wounded
Event
Military officials announced on Friday, September 1, that soldiers have made progress in the final offensive against Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in the city of Marawi on Mindanao island. Filipino soldiers captured the Banggolo Bridge on Thursday, August 31 after heavy fighting. Operations resumed on Friday after a brief pause to mark the start of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. According to Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, three soldiers have been killed and another 52 wounded in the past two days of fighting. Padilla also said that at least five militants were killed. Many of the casualties have reportedly been caused by explosive devices placed by the militants. 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.
Context
According to military commanders, the fighters from the IS-linked Maute and Abu Sayyaf group have been contained to a 500 m2 (1640 ft2) area of the city as of Tuesday, August 29. Officials believe that there are between 50 and 60 militants left in Marawi.
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 770 people, including 603 militants, 130 security personnel, and 45 civilians have died in the fighting. An estimated 246,000 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.
