Monday, March 09, 2005
Clash with Muslim rebels leaves 2 soldiers wounded in Jolo (1:30 p.m.)
MANILA -- At least two soldiers were wounded in a clash with Muslim rebels in Jolo, officials said Wednesday.
Fighting on the southern island last month left more than 70 dead and 50,000 displaced, after militants loyal to jailed Muslim leader Nur Misuari attacked government troops, triggering a major military offensive.
Army Brig. Gen. Agustin Demaala, commander of troops on Jolo, said his forces on Tuesday battled Misuari's followers and Abu Sayyaf rebels after coming under mortar fire near Indanan town, about 950 kilometers (590 miles) south of Manila.
Two soldiers were wounded, though it wasn't clear if the rebels, who withdrew after the two-hour clash, suffered any casualties.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has rejected local officials' calls for a cease-fire and has ordered the military to pursue the attackers. Since last month, government troops have captured 45 rebel hideouts and dispersed the guerrillas.
Followers of Misuari, who is detained in a police camp near Manila while on trial for rebellion, say they launched attacks in response to alleged army abuses during anti-insurgency operations.
They denied links with the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf, a group the military has been trying to crush for years.
Misuari has denied a role in the clashes.
After last month's violence, 37,400 villagers among 51,000 of those displaced have refused to return to their homes despite an easing in fighting, said provincial Governor Benjamin Loong.(AP)
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