Egyptian terrorist, 2 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu encounter

Members of the Philippine Army killed a suspected Egyptian terrorist and 2 other members of local terror group Abu Sayyaf, during an encounter in Patikul, Sulu, Friday night, April 16.

The Egyptian, who was known as alias Yusop, was killed by forces of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade under the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Division Friday, said a report by the Joint Task Force-Sulu.

Also killed in the incident were Abu Sayyaf bomb maker Abu Khattab Jundullah, alias Saddam, and a still unidentified third person.

The military said the 3 terrorists were “under the group of Mudzrimar ‘Mundi’ Sawadjaan, who is the behind the twin suicide bombings in Jolo in August 2020 as well as the Jolo Cathedral bombing in January 2019.”

“All our forces are now tracking down other (ASG) members particularly Mundi,” said Colonel Benjamin Batara Jr, 1102nd IB Commander.

Yusop “has been volunteering as a suicide bomber since joining the group of late Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan,” said Major General William Gonzales, commander of the 11th ID.

Gonzales added that Yusop’s mother, also a suicide bomber, and stepfather were earlier killed in separate operations in Sulu.

“This is one less suicide bomber. Without them, the possibility of another attack is slimmer,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales said the killing of the 3 also cut off the financial support that was being sent through them to the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

“All things considered, we are optimistic that Mundi will soon meet his end,” said Gonzales.

The Army seized 3 firearms, 4 magazines and ammunitions. – Rappler.com