Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) — Government forces killed the Islamic State’s emir in Southeast Asia in an encounter in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur early Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) said Abu Zacharia, who was also leader of the Daulah Islamiyah group, was the target of an arrest warrant by the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police.
“Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate. Abu Zacharia also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position,” the WesMinCom said in a statement.
The military said a soldier was wounded in the fire fight that lasted 10 minutes, adding it recovered two M16A1 rifles with ammunition.
Meanwhile, the military and police conducted a follow-up operation few hours later in pursuit of Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader Joharie Sandab a.k.a. Morsid, who also had an arrest warrant.
The military said government troops killed Morsid in a fire fight.
