The Unholy War

The cease-fire had been broken. The fierce fighting in Southern Philippines, Basilan, has started once again early in August after the deaths of 15 marines. It is reported that after an ambush - turned 8 to 10-hour firefight- 10 of the bodies were later recovered- mutilated, said to have been beheaded. Soldiers claim that even the arms and private parts were severed as well. This was an operation in search for the Italian priest-missionary, Father Bossi. The assailants known as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF claimed the ambush but denied the mutilations. The Marines, on the other hand suspected that these are the works of another radical Islamic group known as Abu-Sayyaf, and that the MILF may be harboring these terrorists.

Since August, many government troops have paid their lives. The whole scenario looks somewhat out of the Vietnam War; but unlike the Vietnam War, much of the Filipinos agree to finally put an end to these radical groups.

I recently heard reports that over 100 US Special Forces have arrived in Basilan for advanced counter-terrorism training and not to engage the insurgents. However, the area is now on 'media blackout' and we only get fractions of what is going on there.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-08-19-philippines-fighting_N.htm?csp=34
(US Backed?)

Here's a few videos from the frontlines in the height of the new radical Islamic insurgency and before the military's (AFP) full occupation in the area.





The Phillipines Forgotten War Part I. 03 August 2007