MANILA, June 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while six government soldiers were wounded following an assault upon an ASG lair in the southern island of Sulu, the military said Tuesday.

    Marine Spokesman Capt. Rommel Abrau said that the raided lair is believed to be the hideout of the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, alias Commander Putol.

    Quoting belated reports, Abrau said that Marine elements launched the "major operation" at around 10 a.m. on Thursday, sparking gun battles that initially resulted in the killing of an Abu Sayyaf member.

    After almost two hours of firefight, Abrau said that Sahiron and his men withdrew but reinforcing soldiers were able to catch up with them nearby, sparking another fierce firefight between thetwo forces.

    Abrau said that the soldiers were hesitant on firing at the group of Sahiron, noting some civilians were seen with his company.

    He said that the troops tried to withdraw from the scene of theclash but the ASG members continued to engage them, prompting "them (soldiers) to establish a defensive position and confront further the pursuing terrorists into fierce firefight," leaving four more Abu Sayyaf dead.

    Abrau said that Marine forces were still pursuing Sahiron and his men who were able to flee after the second firefight.

    "Operations are going on against the retreating Abu Sayyaf Group," he said. Enditem