International

Top Abu Sayyaf leader killed?

ZAMBOANGA (Philippines) June 21. A key leader of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group, which has been linked to Osama bin Laden, was killed or wounded in a clash with troops today, the Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said.

Ms Arroyo said Abu Sabaya, who carries a $5 million reward, was wounded and jumped off a boat that was attacked by the Philippine navy off the coast of southern Zamboanga peninsula.She said four Abu Sayyaf men who were captured confirmed that Sabayawas dressed in a black sweatshirt and was one of three men who jumped off the boat. ``The (troops) confirmed shooting the man in the black sweatshirt,'' Ms Arroyo said on radio. ``Government forces are now scouring the coast for Sabaya or his body.''

Sabaya is the chief spokesman and publicly the most prominent leader of the Abu Sayyaf, which claims to be fighting for a Muslim homeland in the south of the Philippines but appears to concentrate on kidnap for ransom. — Reuters

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• E.U. Summit: Leaders take a tough line
• Bangladesh President resigns
• Top Abu Sayyaf leader killed?
• Will loya jirga usher in peace?
• Advani holds talks with Spanish leaders
• Blair seeks truce with media
• 'Kashmir not a territorial dispute'
• Pak. must stop support to terrorism in Kashmir: Blair
• Mexico-sponsored meet on Kashmir fails to take off
• People's Alliance warns of drift in peace process
• Will the Thai initiative pay dividends?
• Military situation improving `modestly': Rumsfeld

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu