MANILA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Government troops killed 10 fighters allied with Islamic State (IS) in a fresh clash early Monday in Marawi City in southern Philippines, the military said.
The military said in a statement that the soldiers intercepted the 10 extremists belonging to the Maute terror group on board two motor boats that tried to sneak into the city around 2:30 a.m. local time on Monday.
"A three-hour firefight and pursuit operations immediately ensued between (the) forces and the fleeing terrorists," the statement said.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the troops for thwarting another attempt to reinforce the thinning extremist forces fighting the government security forces.
"The recent accomplishment of our ground forces only shows the successful coordination made by our troops and the local government units," Galvez said.
He said the planned attempt to re-enter the city was tipped off by civilians, prompting the special forces riverine units and maritime policemen to detect and neutralize the IS movement.
"Let this be a warning to those who have the intention to escape and to enter, our troops are ready for you. We will definitely get you," warned Galvez.
Galvez said the troops seized the two boats and an M-16 assault rifle used by the IS militants.
Fighting between the security forces and the militants continued since the war broke out on May 23 when militants attacked the city.
The military said nearly 800 have been killed in the ongoing conflict, including 603 militants, 130 soldiers and policemen and nearly 100 civilians.
