Son of Abu Sayyaf leader killed in Sulu air strike – report

MANILA, Philippines – Military air strikes in Sulu over the weekend killed a son of an Abu Sayyaf senior leader, according to a military intelligence report.

Uran Jawhari was killed on Saturday, November 1, in sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul town, during air strikes that targetted an Abu Sayyaf encampment there.

He is the son of senior leader Jamiri Jaong Jawhari, who has through the years led an Abu Sayyaf subgroup in a number of high-profile clashes with the military, according to the intelligence report.

The encampment was reportedly a site of a gathering of about 150 Abu Sayyaf members a day before the military launched air strikes. The Abu Sayyaf also slaughtered a cow, suggesting that they were celebrating.

The Marines also exchanged gunfire with the elder Jawhari’s group in nearby Bud Langgal hours after the air strike that killed the son. 

Another Abu Sayyaf member known as “Tula” was wounded, according to the same intelligence report. He is supposedly a member of a subgroup led by another leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Several jungle bases have been found since the military launched attacks in October. On Saturday, the troops were finally able to catch up with the armed group resulting in several clashes.

President Benigno Aquino III reiterated his vow to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf in the wake of deaths of 6 soldiers, including a junior officer, in another Muslim-dominated province, Basilan.

“It’s a big challenge,” said military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc but added the military is committed to cooperate with the local government unit to end the threat of the Abu Sayyaf. 

There are two brigades and elite units – about 3,000 troops – deployed in Sulu. In Basilan, another battaion of Marines – about 500 troops – was also deployed to augment troops there. – Rappler.com