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Duterte says he wants US special forces out of southern Philippines

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called for the withdrawal of US military from a restive southern island, fearing an American troop presence could complicate offensives against Islamist militants notorious for beheading Westerners.

 

Duterte, who was in the spotlight last week over his televised tirade against the United States and President Barack Obama, said special forces now training Filipino troops were high-value targets for the ISIS-linked Abu Sayyaf as counter-insurgency operations intensify.

 

"These special forces, they have to go," Duterte said in a speech during an oath-taking ceremony for new officials. "I do not want a rift with America. But they have to go."

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.12.16, 14:11