Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines — Government forces have captured 13 members of the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf and killed another in a clash in the southern Philippines, a top security official said Thursday.
National security adviser Roilo Golez said 178 members of the Abu Sayyaf have now been captured since the military launched a major offensive against the guerrillas after they abducted 20 people, including three Americans, from a resort May 27.
The group, which reportedly has links with Osama bin Laden, the top suspect in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, claimed they have killed one of the Americans.
Col. Fredesvindo Covarrubias of the military’s Southern Command said two of the guerrillas were captured on Basilan island, where a major operation is under way to rescue 18 people, including an American couple. The 18 represent the number still held after a series of releases, executions and new hostage takings.
Covarrubias said five other guerrillas had been captured on Jolo island.
Police said one Abu Sayyaf member was killed in a clash Wednesday on Basilan.
Golez said 90 guerrillas had surrendered and 80 others were killed since May.
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