ICC Note:
The conflict in Marawi continues, while almost 100 ISIS jihadists still remain in the city. The Maute Group received almost $2 million (USD) to fund their attack in the Philippines, which clearly was an attempt to mimic the seizing of Mosul in Iraq. Over 200,000 people have fled the city, and the death toll has risen to 565 people. President Duterte has warned the country that more attacks could arise elsewhere throughout the Philippines.
07/24/2017 The Philippines (Courier Mail) – THE military has been deployed to the streets of a second city in the Philippines amid fears a squad of almost 100 ISIS-backed jihadists has been dispatched to create a second battlefront in the country’s south.
As the conflict in the city of Marawi in the southern province of Mindanao entered its third month on Monday and the death toll rises to 565 people, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte has warned the country the extremist message could lead to clashes elsewhere.
Mr Duterte revealed 96 ISIS-backed jihadist had managed to flee the lakeside city of Marawi with instructions to create a diversionary attack on another unnamed city as ISIS’ anointed regional “emir” Isnilon Hapilon attempted to attract support to create a caliphate.
The president made the remark as he made his second state of a nation address.
Norodin Alonto Lucman, former regional security adviser to the former Philippines President Fidel Ramos and regional Muslim clan leader, said the jihadists in Marawi had received AUD$2.5 million to fund their assault in what clearly was meant to mimic the seizing of Mosul in Iraq.
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