Army battles al-Qaeda militants in Philippines

Just because you don't hear much from the Philippines doesn't mean that the jihad has stopped over there.

A recent offensive launched by the Philippine army has left 5 government troops dead and up to 50 terrorist scum killed.Telegraph

The offensive was ordered by President Gloria Arroyo in response to a spate of recent kidnappings by militants from the group Abu Sayyaf on Basilan and nearby islands.

Military spokeswoman Lt. Steffani Cacho said five troops were killed and 24 wounded in a village in Al-Barka township on Basilan when they tried to capture high ground to cut militant escape routes. "It's a vital area catering to kidnapping groups," she said.

Fighting was also going on on Jolo Island.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino said hundreds of marines were involved in the fighting. He claimed radio intercepts indicated 50 guerrillas were killed but no bodies were discovers.