At least 15 Abu Sayyaf members killed in S. Philippines

At least 15 Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed following a firefight with elite government forces in Indanan town in south Philippine province of Sulu on Wednesday afternoon.

Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said troops from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion were on a focused military operation when they clashed with at least 100 terrorists of Abu Sayyaf Group in Barangay Buanza around 5:25 p.m. local time.

Arrojado said the encountered terrorists were under Abu Sayyaf leaders Yasser Igasan and Alhabsy Misaya.

No one was reported killed or injured on the military side.

Arrojado said 15 terrorists have been killed in the fighting but only five bodies were recovered, along with three firearms.

As of 6:15 p.m., the military said the firefight was still ongoing.

A military report said the troops were conducting operation to rescue kidnap victims being held by Abu Sayyaf Group.

The terrorists are holding at least 10 foreign and Filipino hostages in Sulu.

According to military reports, forces from the Army's 35th and 32nd infantry battalions and 2nd Marine Brigade were sent to the area "to prevent ASG reinforcement and Moro National Liberation Front from joining the fray."