ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) liaison was killed after government troops, and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) collided in Sulu on Friday morning.
In a released statement, the Joint Task Force Sulu of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the encounter occurred between the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and a terrorist group in Barangay Tanim in Patikul.
The deceased ISIS liaison in Sulu was identified as Talha Jumsah or alias “Abu Talha.”
According to AFP, Abu Talha is considered a high-value target.
The military further said that Abu Talha was also an expert in creating improvised explosive devices and also served as an instructor in the ASG.
The 1101st Infantry Brigade recovered Abu Talha’s body on Saturday morning.
According to 1101st Brigade Commander Brid. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the ASG’s morale has certainly dropped following Abu Talha’s death.
He said the operation would not have been possible without the help of the Tausug community, who reported to the military about the presence of the armed group.
