(Eagle News) — At least 13 terrorists were neutralized by government troops in Marawi in operations that began on Thursday night.
Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Task Force Ranao, said those killed were 13, but Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said in a radio interview that the figure amounted to 20.
Padilla said of the 20, 13 were killed on Thursday, while the remaining were neutralized on Friday morning.
He said authorities were confirming if one of those killed was Dr. Mahmud Ahmad, a known Malaysian terrorist.
“May narescue din na mag-ina, teenager ang anak na nasa 16 o 17 years old. Base sa mga nailigtas na bihag, mayroong banyaga na napatay. Iyan ang sinisikap nating malaman kapag nakuha na ang bangkay,” he said.
He said six from the government side were wounded during the operations.