01 June 2017

News Story: Philippines likely to become new IS stronghold in Asia

Hanoi (VNA) – It is feared that southern Philippines is fast becoming a centre of extremist groups in Asia, as evidenced by dozens of foreign gunmen joining hands with local IS militants to fight security forces in the region last week.

According to intelligence sources of the Philippines, among 400-500 gunmen that occupied Marawi city in Mindanao island since May 23, some 40 came from other countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, India and Morocco. Eight out of 33 militants killed during the first four days of the Marawi clash were foreigners. 

Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities believed that among 38 Indonesian nationals came to southern Philippines to join IS-related groups, about 22 gunmen were fighting in Marawi.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus