Foreign Terrorist killed in Basilan Military Operations

By JONG CADION

Name Mohammad Khattab

Nationality: Moroccan

Affiliation: Foreign Military Jihadist,

DIWM Specialization: IED Bomb

Instructor, Islamic Jihadist preacher

Died in an encounter at So Bayoko,

Baguindan, Tipo-tipo on 09 April 16.

(PHOTO RELEASE BY WESMINCOM)

PAGADIAN CITY, (April 10, 2016)--- Soldiers of Joint Task Group Basilan conducting military operations in Basilan Province, Southern Phlippines encountered   more or less 150 combined group of Kidnap for Ransom groups-Abu Sayyaf Grou[ (KFRG-ASG) under Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama Saturday morning, military officials said Sunday.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) spokesperson Maj. Felimon Tan said on the auspicious day of “Araw ng Kagitingan” at about 8 A.M., operating troops of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion, after seizing their initial objective and while scouring the area, the troops were met by heavy enemy hostile fire at So. Bayoko, Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Province.

Maj. Tan said intense firefight ensued between government troops under 44IB, 4SFBn and 14 Cavalry Troops against the combined ASG-KFRG that lasted for almost ten hours.

Tan said initial result of encounter: government side suffered 18 dead and of the 53 wounded 6 were critical while 5 others were killed and 20 were wounded from the ASG-KFRG.

Tan disclosed that among the bandits killed is a Moroccan Foreign Terrorist identified as Mohammad Khattab, an IED bomb instructor and Islamic Jihadist preacher who was trying to organize and unite local lawless armed groups and KFRGs to link with international terrorist groups as well as spread radicalism and extremism.

Also reportedly killed is Ubaida Hapilon believed to be one of the sons of Isnilon Hapilon and among them is ASG leader Radzmil Jannatul @ Kubayb.

The wounded government troops were all taken to military hospitals in Zamboanga City and are undergoing treatment for their wounds while the troops killed in action were transported to HQ Western Mindanao Command.

Military official identified the 18 killed soldiers as 1LT Remegio B. Licena, Cpl Redel Perolino, Pfc Doren L Aspurias, Pfc Marjun Duhaylungsod, Pfc Marjohn G M0nte, Sgt Jason A Alani, Ssg Makin B Jarani, Cpl Rodelio Bangcairin, Sgt Paterno G Oquino, Cpl Noel R Else, Cpl Dionisio L Labial, Cpl Rakib Kadil, Pfc Kevin Rey S Verano, Cpl Reezvi Arshcelo H Gandawali, Sgt Akhad M Usman, Pvt Dunemark Gil Saldivar, Cpl Darius Bulan and Cpl Ibrahim Palao.

Military official also confirmed that 4 of the 18 fatalities were beheaded by the bandits before they managed to withdraw towards the forested area in Basilan.

Military Operations will continue without let up as we seek the withdrawing bandits and hold them accountable for their crimes. Early today, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and the Chief of Staff AFP, General Hernando DCA Iriberri arrived in Zamboanga to visit the wounded and condole with the families of those killed in action.

Wounded soldiers at the hospital in Zamboanga City

In a combined message, the DND, AFP and WMC announced that “Our troops fought gallantly and we salute them as they displayed the finest traditions of soldiery with utmost valor. We are truly better for their sacrifice and we will take inspiration from their exemplary service.  After we grieve for our soldiers, we shall continue the fight to win the peace for our people.  Our soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice so that the people of Basilan will be free from terrorists and secure a peaceful and bright future for their next generation.”