Philippines announces end of five-month long battle against Islamic State in Marawi
A five-month battle against Islamic State supporters in the southern Philippines that claimed more than 1,000 lives has ended on Monday.
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A five-month battle against Islamic State supporters in the southern Philippines that claimed more than 1,000 lives has ended on Monday. Getty Images
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“We now announce the termination of all combat operations in Marawi,” said the defence secretary of Philippines Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of regional security meeting in Clark. Getty Images
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Lorenzana announced there were no more militants, known locally as coming from the Maute group, providing resistance following an intense final battle after which 42 bodies were recovered. Getty Images
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Hundreds of gunmen who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State rampaged through the Islamic capital Marawi on 23 May and took over parts of the city using civilians as human shields. Getty Images
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Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte and security analysts said the militants were trying to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate in Marawi. Getty Images
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According to reports, 1,780 hostages have been rescued, while 165 government forces have been killed in the siege. Getty Images
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" One of the first thing I’m going to do when I get there is commend the Philippines military for liberating Marawi from terrorists," said US defence secretary James Mattis. Getty Images
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