US special forces helping Philippines troops to end city siege
MANILA—US special forces are helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to end a siege of the southern town of Marawi by militants allied to ISIS, a US embassy spokesperson in Manila told Reuters.
Until now there had been no confirmation that US forces were assisting in the battle for Marawi City, which is in its third week.
Their involvement comes after months of strain between the two allies stoked by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's hostility towards Washington and his pledges to throw out U.S. troops who have long provided training and assistance.
