World | Philippines
Muslim rebels claim killing hundreds of Philippine troops
Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines claim they have killed more than 500 government troops in 10 months of resurgent fighting since the collapse of peace talks. The military denies the claim.
- AP
- Published: 08:46 July 2, 2009
Manila: Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines claim they have killed more than 500 government troops in 10 months of resurgent fighting since the collapse of peace talks. The military denies the claim.
Chief rebel negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said in Thursday's report that unrelenting military air and ground attacks have caused widespread destruction and suffering in predominantly Muslim communities, prompting his commanders to strike back at troops.
The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels fighting for decades for Muslim self-rule in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation's south have been largely respecting a 2003 truce. An estimated 120,000 people have been killed in the conflict.
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