Indonesian President Joko Widodo has given the Indonesian forces a green light to assault Abu Sayyaf if diplomatic efforts fail to free Indonesian hostages in the Philippines.
Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said he has the President’s permission for the “military option”. His comments came after the Philippines on Wednesday agreed to allow Indonesian troops to enter its territorial waters as part of efforts to rescue the seven Indonesian hostages.
However, he said, such operation would only be conducted under extraordinary circumstances and troops from the two countries will need to undergo drills before proceeding with the rescue “or friendly fire incidents could happen.”
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