Posted on 02/20/2005 6:54:52 AM PST by freepatriot32
MANILA (AFP) - Nearly one thousand American and Filipino soldiers on Sunday began joint military exercises aimed at improving cooperation against terrorist and other attacks.
The two-week exercises are to be held in military camps in Luzon. Some 300 US troops and 650 Filipino soldiers are taking part.
The maneuvers are aimed at improving joint planning and enhancing capabilities "against armed attacks, including threats from terrorist groups, as well as readiness to respond to natural disasters," the US embassy said.
The Philippines is a US ally in its global war on terrorism, and small numbers of US military advisers have been helping the government crush the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.
The Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for bombing Makati, Davao, and General Santos last week, killing 12 and wounding scores of others.
thanks I think to the USA involvement, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) have been having their moments of success against the Muslim terrorists. Just recently they captured a fort run by the rebels and have the Muslims on the run in Jolo.
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