7 die in clash with Abu Sayyaf rebels in Philippines

The Times of India ^ | October 12 2002 | AP

[knighthawk]

MANILA: Fierce clashes between Philippine marine troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels Saturday left at least seven soldiers dead and 25 others wounded on the southern island of Jolo, military officials said.

Government bombers and attack helicopters took turns blasting suspected positions of an Abu Sayyaf faction believed to be holding four female Jehovah's Witnesses, the officials added.

The women were snatched Aug. 20 while selling Avon cosmetics in a remote village on the troubled island. There were no reports on the women's fate. Three Indonesian tugboat crewmen are also being held by the Abu Sayyaf.

Other marines deployed elsewhere on Jolo were sent to the area to serve as a back-up force to troops pursuing the rebels.

The guerrillas have split into smaller groups and engaged the soldiers in small, scattered running gunbattles in the jungle, military sources said.

[texasbluebell]

Let's remember that ObL's brother (step/half?) is reportedly funding Abu Sayyef...

[Free the USA]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[knighthawk]

Ping

[mikeIII]

Is there a continent or part of the world where the scourge of Islam isn't felt on a daily basis?

[seeker41]

Antarctica perhaps.

[tet68]

Selling Avon cosmetics in a remote Phillipine village?
Man, I've heard of tuff turf but those cold calls must have been murder.

[tet68]

Is there a continent or part of the world where the scourge of Islam isn't felt on a daily basis?

Yeah, the scourge of Avon too.

[knighthawk]

Japan, they won't let them in too much.