Troops seize terrorist camp in Lanao del Sur
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 09:30:00 +0000
MAP of Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur
Troops from the Army 103rd “Haribon” Infantry Brigade successfully seized a stronghold of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao Group in the hinterlands of Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur Friday.
The Army 55th “Vigilant” Infantry Battalion figured with more or less 24 remnants of the group formerly called Maute-IS Group in an intense gunfight as they approached their lair at around 8 a.m. Thursday. The group is believed to be led by Abu Dhar.
The initial assault lasted for about 10 hours until the beleaguered terrorists consolidated to their defensive strongpoints.
“We acted on the information as reported by the residents and the local chief executives.” Lt. Col. Ian Ignes, the commanding officer of the Army 55th IB. “The enemy was completely taken by surprise as evident from the direction of their initial gunfires. We met fierce resistance as soon as we hit their final defensive lines,” he added.
The group has been hiding in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur and are well-versed on the terrain.
Col. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the commander of the Army 103rd Infantry Brigade leading the assault since Wednesday night, said despite the enemy’s advantage over the terrain, troops were able to gain ground and managed to penetrate their defensive lines through timely and accurate supporting fires.
“Immediate fire support was provided through artillery and helicopters, sending the DI-Lanao remnants
into their bunkers,” Brawner said.
“The splintered group then scattered for survival, abandoning their stronghold due to the intense ground and air support,” he added.
A check of the site later revealed several defensive positions that include running trenches and fortified bunkers. A training camp was also found some 100 meters from the terrorists’ defensive lines.
Brawner said initial reports from the ground confirmed that three DI-Lanao terrorists were killed during
the assault. More terrorists were critically wounded, according to local sources.
Three government troops were also wounded during the assault.
After the failed attempt of the then Maute-IS Group to establish a caliphate in Lanao del Sur, the military said that communities around Lake Lanao have been awakened on the repercussions of violent extremism.
“Social conditions on ground shows great despise to the terrorist remnants. After massive information dissemination, people are now aware on the destruction brought by these violent extremists. Communities now willingly give out information to government troops to rid their communities of terrorists,” Brawner said. (Francis T. Wakefield with a report from Bonita L. Ermac)