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Assault on Abu Sayyaf

MANILA: At least 5,000 Filipino troops were positioned on Saturday in the battle-ravaged Sulu province, southern Philippines, for a major assault against Abu Sayyaf rebels, reported the official Philippine News Agency. The troops have been fighting with Abu Sayyaf since early August in order to find two bombers of the Southeast Asia-based militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Umar Patek and Dulmatin, both wanted for their alleged role in the October 2002 Bali bombings which left more than 200 persons dead. The two are believed to be hiding in Sulu's rugged jungles under the protection of Abu Sayyaf militants, said the military. The U.S. Government has offered $2 million for the capture of Patek and Dulmatin. Three soldiers were killed in fighting between troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels last week. The Government said its forces had killed 13 rebels. — Xinhua

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