Military seizes terrorist stronghold in Lanao del Sur but leader escapes

January 25, 2019

Troops, backed by artillery and aircraft, finally overran a terrorist camp in Lanao del Sur Friday morning but their leader, Abu Dar, one of the remaining key figures in the Marawi siege escaped.

Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade,  said the troops from the 103rd Infantry Brigade, seized the terrorist stronghold in the hinterlands of Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur around 5:20 am.

Brawner said no firearms and explosives were recovered at the camp but added government forces are still clearing the site while other forces are pursuing the terrorists, including Abu Dar.

Brawner said the terrorist group led by Abu Dar has been hiding in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur where they are well versed of the terrain.

“Despite the enemy’s advantage over the terrain, our troops were able to gain ground and managed to penetrate their defensive lines through timely and accurate supporting fire,” he said.

“The splintered group then scattered for survival, abandoning their stronghold due to the intense ground and air support,” Brawner added.

Brawner said “immediate fire support was provided through artillery and helicopters. He added the camp had a training area, two tents and a small mosque.

“The site reveals several defensive positions to include running trenches and fortified bunkers. A training camp was also found some hundred meters from the terrorists' defensive lines,” he said.

Brawner said their sources told the military three terrorist members were killed while an undetermined number of enemies were critically wounded. Three government troops sustained slight wounds. Robina Asido/DMS