Two members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group were killed earlier this week while four soldiers were hurt in two firefights in Sulu last Tuesday, the Navy spokesperson said Thursday.

The soldiers were also able to overrun a command and control facility and satellite camp by a composite team of Abu Sayyaf bandits and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Talipao town, according to Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo.

Arevalo said the fighting was triggered by recent harassment of development projects in the province by the enemy forces, prompting civilians in the area to report the enemy movement to the military.

The first clash occurred at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Mahala when soldiers intercepted the evading Abu Sayyaf and MNLF forces, while the second clash happened later in the afternoon.

Two unidentified members of the Abu Sayyaf members were found dead after the firefights, while four soldiers were injured, Arevalo said. Two rifles and assorted ammunition were also recovered from the camps.

Col. Romeo Tanalgo, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, identified Habier Malik as the leader of the MNLF forces. Malik is said to be in alliance with Abu Sayyaf leader Yasser Igasan.

Source: Andreo Calonzo