9 killed as Philippine troops battle militants
Philippine troops on Friday battled Abu Sayyaf militants blamed for the kidnappings of several foreigners and Filipinos in the restive south, leaving at least five soldiers and four extremists dead, a military commander said.
At least 26 other soldiers were wounded in the clash in Sulu province's mountainous Talipao town, army Col. Allan Arrojado said. The fighting eased by nightfall and government forces were pursuing about 300 militants who split into smaller groups and withdrew, he said.
