Philippines: 25 killed in clashes between MILF, IS gunmen
At least 25 people were killed in clashes between the government-backed Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and gunmen of the self-claimed Islamic State (IS) in southern Philippines, said the Philippine Army on August 14.
Hanoi (VNA)🎀 – At least 25 peoplewere killed in clashes between the government-backed Moro Islamic LiberationFront (MILF) and gunmen of the self-claimed Islamic State (IS) in southernPhilippines, said the Philippine Army on August 14.
The clashes took place amid efforts of thePhilippine armed forces to re-establish order in the southern island ofMindanao. The Philippine Government and the MILF hadsigned a peace agreement to contain insurgents in Mindanao who pledgedallegiance to the IS. The MILF said extremists are crushingefforts to seek stronger Muslim autonomy in Mindanao, which aims to end nearly50 years of conflict claiming over 120,000 lives and making two million people abandontheir houses. Clashes began on August 7 when militants ofthe Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) attacked two villages inMaguindanao, killing five MILF gunmen. The fight has lasted for six days.
The BIFF is a breakaway from the MILF whichdisagrees with the peace process and wants to form an Islamic state in southernPhilippines.
𝔉 It is likely to join hands with the Maute group, which has occupied a shoppingmall in Marawi city of Mindanao during clashes with Philippine armed forces,said the Philippine army. The clashes have lasted for more than 80 days, withabout 700 people killed.
Martial law has been imposed in Mindanao atleast until the end of the year, while Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte isstriving to suppress increasing threats from insurgents.-VNA
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Gunmen of the MILF (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
