THREE soldiers were killed and 17 others were wounded Saturday after members of the 35th Infantry Battalion encountered more than 150 Abu Sayyaf fighters led by Radullam Sahiron and Yasser Igasan in Patikul, Sulu, Maj. Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said Sunday.
Tan said an undetermined number of ASG fighters were also killed or wounded.
The soldiers were supported by close air and artillery support.
“Adjacent units also conducted blocking and pursuit operations,” Tan said.
Of the wounded soldiers, two needed to be airlifted to Zamboanga City for further medical attention because of serious injuries.
The military has launched intensified operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.
The encounter broke out after the government troops assaulted s terrorist encampment past 10 a.m. on Saturday in Bud Taming, Barangay Kabbontakkas.
The firefight lasted almost two hourse before the terrorists withdrew, bringing with them a number of their casualties, Tan said.