Philippines kills leader of IS-linked militant group
Philippine security forces killed the leader of the militant group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) supporting the Islamic State (IS) in a clash early on January 5, the country's police chief said.
Philippine security forces in Sulu (Source: EPA/VNA)
Manila (VNA) – Philippine security forces killed the leader of the militantgroup Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) supporting the Islamic State (IS) ina clash early on January 5, the country's police chief said.
Policechief Ronald Dela Rosa told a news conference that the AKP’s leader MohammadJaafar Maguid was killed during a raid in a resort in the southern province ofSarangani.
Maguid isthe recognised IS leader in that area, Dela Rosa said, adding that he was the"most wanted person" in the country's south, sought for hisinvolvement in crimes ranging from arson and murder to bombings.
Thekilling has broken the backbone of the militant group AKP, Dela Rosa said.
Policealso arrested three AKP members and seized two armalite rifles and a handgrenade from the insurgents.
Thekilling and the arrests would momentarily weaken the group, Dela Rosa said, warningthat a new leader could emerge eventually and launch fresh attacks.
TheAKP and the Maute militant groups, which have pledged allegiance to the IS, areamong small groups which have been blamed for unrest in the South of the Philippinein recent years. PhilippinePresident Rodrigo Duterte recently cautioned against the IS taking root in thecountry.-VNA
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Philippine security forces in Sulu (Source: EPA/VNA) 
