Hanoi (VNA) – The US Special OperationForces are assisting the Philippine military in operations against the Islamist militants, the USEmbassy in Manila confirmed on June 10.
The Philippines military spokesman said the USforces are just providing technical support, not fighting the militants, whonow still control part of Marawi city.
The US deployed their special operation soldiersto Mindanao in 2002 to train and advise Philippine units fighting Abu Sayyafmilitants. The programme was discontinued in 2015 but a small presence remainedfor logistics and technical support.
According to the Philippines military spokesman,additional 13 Philippine marines died during the battle with the Islamist fightersin Marawi.
As of May 23, 58 Philippine soldiers were killedsince the extreme Islamist militants entered the city.
According to the Philippine Government, at least138 Islamist militants were killed. The combats also claimed the lives of 20residents. -VNA