Government troops neutralized one of the leaders of the terror group Islamic State in a joint law enforcement operation in Marawi City on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed.
Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido identified the terror suspect as Faharudin Hadji Benito Satar/Faharudin Pumbaya Pangalian/Fahar Pumbaya Pangalian, also known as Abu Zacharia, Amir of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and Overall Amir of the Islamic State-East Asia.
Galido said Abu Zacharia resisted arrest when the troops went to his safe house in Barangay Bangon, Marawi, at about 1:30 a.m.
”Combined elements of the AFP under the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the PNP conducted a joint operation to serve a warrant of arrest against Abu Zacharia. Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate. Abu Zacharia also threw a 60-mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position,” the AFP Western Mindanao Command said.
”[A] firefight ensued, which lasted for about ten minutes. While clearing the area, troops recovered the dead body of Abu Zacharia and two M16A1 rifles with ammunition. The exchange of fire also resulted in the wounding of one soldier, who is currently recuperating in a hospital in Marawi City.”
The military also neutralized Joharie Sandab, also known as Morsid, Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines Sub-Leader, and Amir for Finance and Logistics, at 6:07 a.m.
According to Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, combined elements of the police and military were serving a warrant of arrest for Morsid when they were fired upon by the latter using his M16 rifle.
Morsid also allegedly threw a hand grenade toward the operating troops, but it did not explode.
“The government forces were left with no choice but to return fire. The exchange of fires resulted in the death of Morsid,” the AFP Westmincom said.
”While scouring the area, operating troops recovered the dead body of Morsid. Also recovered were assorted war materials, including one M16A1 with ammunition, one 9mm pistol with ammunition, and one unexploded hand grenade.”
