ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, May 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 54 militants and two soldiers were killed in an ongoing military offensive operation started last Thursday in south Philippine province of Lanao del Sur, military officials said on Monday.
The military said nine other troopers were also injured in the operation.
Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the intense operation was launched against a local terrorist group led by the Maute brothers at Barangay Ragayan, Butig town.
Tan said involved in the offensive attack were the combined military forces from the 5th Mechanized Battalion, 51st Infantry Battalion, and Philippine Air Force.
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