Sunday, September 10, 2006
US military commander optimistic on capture of southern RP militants soon (6:20 p.m.)
JOLO -- A US military commander expressed optimism Sunday that some of Southeast Asia's most wanted militants targeted by a major US-backed offensive in the southern Philippines could be captured soon.
Colonel James Linder, commander of American forces in the Mindanao, said Philippine troops "are making great progress every day and I would not be surprised if those lawless elements that you mentioned are brought to justice very soon."
He was referring to Khaddafy Janjalani, chief of the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group, and two Indonesian militants belonging to the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah group -- Umar Patek and Dulmatin.
The sightings of the militants on Jolo island prompted a major offensive on Aug. 1, which has killed a dozen Abu Sayyaf guerrillas and captured 10 others, Philippine officials say. At least 10 government troops and one policeman also have died.
General Hermogenes Esperon, the armed forces chief of staff, last week praised U.S. military intelligence support, saying it has given Philippine troops a crucial edge in pursuing militants through Jolo's hostile jungles.
US forces, who have been stationed in the south as part of counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance, were not involved in combat operations, Esperon said. (AP) |
