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Sunday, August 15, 2004
One dead, six wounded in Zamboanga clash (5:18 p.m.)
ZAMBOANGA -- Philippine troops clashed Sunday with Abu Sayyaf gang members in Jolo, leaving one soldier dead and up to six others wounded on both sides, the military said.
Troops caught up with Abu Sayyaf gunmen near the town of Indanan, triggering the gunbattle, said military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lucero.
He said one soldier was killed, while three others were wounded. Three rebels were also believed wounded in the gunbattle, according to messages intercepted over rebel radio.
"There could be more enemy casualties, but initial military reports said one government soldier was killed. Three soldiers and three rebels are wounded in the fighting," Lucero said.
"The operation is going on and we are still awaiting reports from our combat forces," he said.
The Abu Sayyaf is a small gang of Islamic militants who have turned to kidnapping. They are considered a terrorist group by the US and Philippine governments and are blamed for the kidnapping deaths of two American in 2002.
Last week, a court in the southern Philippines sentenced to death 17 Abu Sayyaf members who raided a hospital and a church compound in the island of Basilan. AFP
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