This is a 2000 file photo of Khadaffy Janjalani(R), leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, posing at a hideout in the jungles of Basilan island in southern Philippines. (Xinhua/AFP File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

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    U.S. congratulates Philippines on death of Abu Sayyaf leader

    MANILA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States Saturday congratulated the Philippines after its armed forces confirmed Abu Sayyaf leader Khaddafy Janjalani was killed in an encounter in last September, calling it a "major step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines and in the global war on terror."

    "The death of Khaddafy Janjalani is an important and positive step forward in the ultimate goal of eliminating the ruthless and dangerous Abu Sayyaf Group and in destroying its links with international terrorist groups such as the Jemaah Islamiyah," the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

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