Intense clashes continued between ISIS and the Philippine Army in the city of Marawi.
The Philippine Air Force targeted ISIS positions with several air strikes using FA-50Ph fighters, OV-10 close air support fighters and AgustaWestland AW109 and MD-500 helicopters.
Supersonic. Sniperproof. The FA50 fighter jets have joined the battle for Marawi. pic.twitter.com/U2EjHDBvy0
— Chiara Zambrano (@chiarazambrano) June 1, 2017
According to the Philippine intelligence, the number of ISIS fighters in the city is about 400 fighters. 40 of them are foreigners who have been brought to the Philippines recently, especially from Middle Eastren countries.
More than 100,000 civilians have fled the fighting in Marawi so far. A majority of the city still under ISIS control as for now, according to local sources.
Earlier this week, 35 civilians (according to the local authorities) lost their life as a result ofattack by a lone ISIS militant on the Resorts World Hotel in Manila, Philippines.
On Friday, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack through its ISIS-linked news agency Amaq. The attack was carried out by Abu al-Khair al-Arkhabili,who opened fire on civilians in the hotel. ISIS claimed that at least 100 civilians were killed and wounded in the attack.
Photos from Marawi:
A soldier walks past a graffiti as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. The graffiti reads: “Always loyal.” REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco TEMPLATE OUT
Soldiers onboard military trucks ride along the main street as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
Soldiers stand guard along the main street of Mapandi village as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
An OV-10 aircraft drops a bomb during an airstrike against the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
Smoke billowing from a burning building is seen as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
Soldiers onboard a military truck ride along the main street of Mapandi village as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
Soldiers prepare to board a helicopter as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) ride along the main street as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City, Philippines June 2, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
