Philippines: Blast kills three soldiers in Sulu province June 28

Event

A blast targeting the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) in Indanan town (Sulu province) killed three soldiers and injured eight others on Friday, June 28. According to the army spokesman, the blast occurred as a new commander of the Western Mindanao Command was instated on the same day, to fight against Aby Sayyaf group. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts, although officials suspect Abu Sayyaf carried out the attack. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in the area over the coming hours.

Context

Abu Sayyaf is an Islamic State-affiliated Jihadi militant group operating primarily in the southern Philippines. The group's criminal and terrorist activities include kidnappings, bombings, and beheadings in western Mindanao. Its main theaters of activity are the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

Advice

Individuals in Sulu province are advised to continue avoiding the affected area, monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, authorities advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to the risk of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.