Philippinen

[Schneemann]

Philippine army 'surrounds rebels' in Zamboanga

Philippine soldiers are closing in on a few dozen armed rebels whose group stormed the southern city of Zamboanga on Monday, forcing thousands to flee. The army said about 50 rebels had been killed and 40 more captured during a week-long siege that has brought the city of one million to a standstill. The gunmen were reported to have taken about 100 civilians hostage, but most have now been freed, officials say.

The rebels are thought to belong to one of a number of separatist groups. Their presumed leader, 71-year-old guerrilla-turned-politician Nur Misuari, has said little since the siege began. [...] The military said they launched a full assault on Friday when the gunmen set fire to buildings and left aid workers and civilians injured.

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Schneemann.