The Marawi clashes began on May 23 when Philippine forces staged a raid to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a wanted leader of IS-linked Maute and the Abu Sayyaf terror network, following tip-offs on his hideout.
A Philippines politician said on Thursday residents fleeing besieged Marawi City had seen at least 100 bodies in an area where intense fighting has taken place between security forces and Daesh terrorists in the last three weeks.
"There are some US personnel who are operating equipment to provide information on situation awareness to our troops", spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told reporters Wednesday. "I know he has it already". They are allowed to carry rifles for self-defence. "If we died outside our house, at least we tried to save ourselves", Andeleg said as he recounted watching bombs destroy houses around him.
"The Philippine Navy is a valued and enduring ally of the US Navy and a close partner of the Pacific Fleet", said Mr. Most recently, M4 carbines, Glock pistols, M134D machine guns, grenade launchers and rubber maritime raiding craft were delivered, according to a June 5 news release from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Three U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue, said last week that the Pentagon was open to providing assistance, but that the Philippines had not asked for any. That drone, however, crashed on Saturday after it lost communication links with its operator, the official said. Some sniper shots could be heard. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. "It may take some time".
On June 11, President Rodrigo Duterte said in an interview that he was not aware of the U.S. forces' presence in Marawi City.
It is been sited that the flag of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant were flying over several government building in the Marawi city. "Their needs are vast and growing by the day", the ICRC said in a recent report released on Thursday.
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Philippines reported that Harvey was hit by a stray bullet inside the Provincial Capitol Compound in Marawi on Thursday.
Duterte acknowledged the role of the United States in the ongoing military operation to end the Marawi siege.
The violence has killed 202 gunmen, 58 soldiers and policemen and 26 civilians, officials say.
While evacuation efforts are ongoing, the ICRC said an estimated 300-500 people remain trapped in the city.
Numerous militants reportedly killed in the clashes have not been recovered.
At a press conference later that day, Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera clarified that US forces were only providing noncombat assistance and were not participating in the ground battles.
This has raised fears that IS's violent ideology is gaining a foothold in the area, where Muslim separatists have fought for greater autonomy for decades.
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