Philippine troops in a campaign against militants (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine aircraft and troops launched arenewed push against Islamist militants in southern Marawi city on June 20.
Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, a military spokesman of the Philippines said themilitary gained ground and is expanding its vantage positions in the city.
Early the day, local security force enhanced attack with automatic guns, armouredvehicles and artillery, pushing insurgents in commercial districts on thesouthern fringe of the city.
A news sources said the military arranged security forces in houses andbuildings retaken from the rebel force to avoid the risk of recapture.
Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla, another military spokesman ofthe country said the military aimed to prevent the conflict from escalatingafter Ramadan ends.
The offensive came amid worry that rebel reinforcements couldarrive in the city after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holymonth of Ramadan.
The army is also closely watching certain groups and hopes theywill not join the fight, Padilla said.
Army and police commanders of the Philippines met in nearbyCagayan de Oro city to reassess strategy and operations against the militants,who claim allegiance to Islamic State.
As of June 19, the military said 258 militants, 65 securitypersonnel and 26 civilians had been killed. Hundreds of people are unaccountedfor, with many believed to be hiding in the basements of the city. - VNA
