3 Top Ji, Abu Ssayyaf Leaders Killed In Sulu Air Strike - Military
(Updated 4:51 p.m.) The military claimed on Thursday that it had killed 15 Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah members — including three senior leaders — in a short predawn air strike in a remote area in Sulu province.
Authorities said among those killed in the air strike launched about 3 a.m. were JI leaders Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, a certain Mawiyah, and Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu, a senior leader of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandit group.
"The troops on ground have confirmed deaths of 15 ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) and JI members including Mawiyah, Dr. Abu, and Marwan," said Armed Forces information chief Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.
"This (operation) is a product of thorough intelligence [and was] carefully planned," Burgos added. "'Yung sinasabi nating air strike, segundo lamang tinagal."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation describes Marwan, reportedly a member of the JI Central Command, as among the most wanted terrorists in the world.
