Philippines army offensive kills at least 37 rebels

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Originally published on January 30, 2014

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Philippine troops killed at least 37 Islamic fighters and captured a rebel on Thursday (January 30) in a two-day offensive against insurgents opposed to peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Under the new peace deal, MILF rebels will have to hand over their weapons in exchange for self-rule in parts of the south, the BBC reports. Insurgents belonging to the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) believe MILF gave up too much under the agreement.
Since the deal has not lead to a separate homeland for minority Muslims in the south, BIFF said they will continue their uprising.
According to the South China Morning Post, the army assault against the rebels was aimed at protecting villages in southern Maguindanao province after BIFF fighters' attacks.

The army reportedly killed at least 37 rebels, while a rebel spokesman disputed the military report saying there have been no deaths and only seven were injured among the insurgents who were wounded in army shelling and helicopter rocket fire.
The fighting also left one soldier dead and 12 others injured by bombs hidden around a mosque and by rebel mortar fire.

After two-days of attacks, army troops captured a key rebel stronghold where the insurgents made bombs and carried out combat training.

The offensive, which was supposed to end on Wednesday, will extend to Saturday to capture rebels who have now split into smaller groups, the South China Morning Post said.

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