Two key Islamic State (IS)-affiliated leaders engaged in a standoff with Philippines forces in the conflict-ridden Marawi city have been killed, a top official said on Monday.
According to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the victims were identified as Isnilon Hapilon, who was declared the terror group’s emir for Southeast Asia, and Omar Maute, a leader of a militant group that pledged allegiance to the IS, reports CNN.
On May 23, Hapilon and Maute led the raid on Marawi, forcing over 200,000 residents to flee.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the island of Mindanao, of which Marawi is a part.
The Philippines government said that at least 1,066 people including 47 civilians have been killed and over 1,700 soldiers and policemen were injured.