June–July 2016 Sulu and Basilan clashes


The Summer 2016 Sulu and Basilan clashes were armed conflicts that took place in two battlefronts on the southern islands of Mindanao, Philippines from 21 June to 12 July.

Background

After Canadian hostage John Ridsdel had been beheaded by Abu Sayyaf group in late April 2016, Canadian hostage Robert Hall was beheaded on June 13, 2016. ASG even demanded $13 million ransom for the release of two other hostages.
Philippine President Duterte warned ASG to stop kidnapping, saying he would eventually confront them.
On 17 June, about 5,000 Philippine soldiers had been deployed to the target areas in Sulu to track downASG.

Clashes

Sulu

On 21 June, soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion encountered about 200 ASG members in Patikul town. Three ASG members were killed and at least 10 were wounded. Sixteen Army soldiers were wounded.
On 22 June, another firefight left at least 7 ASG members killed and 18 soldiers wounded.
As the hostage tracking operation continued,o n 7 July troops encountered suspected ASG members. One soldier was killed with 6 wounded. Nine ASG members were killed and at least 19 militants were wounded.
By 11 July, 22 ASG were dead.

Basilan

On 6 July, suspected ASG bandits led by Furuji Indama and Isnilon Hapilon stormed a village in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. The attack targeted the headquarters of the 18th Infantry Battalion. ASG occupied and fortified Hill 490 of Ungkaya Pukan town as a staging point.
On 12 July Army rangers prepared to assault Hill 490 after an air and artillery barrage. One ranger was killed and 5 others were injured after one of them tripped an improvised explosive device. The government casualties were immediately airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital.
At least 18 militants were killed with 9 wounded.