4 soldiers killed in ambush in southern Philippines

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Suspected militants killed four soldiers in an ambush in the southern Philippines on Sunday, the military said.

The incident, the latest in a series of attacks on security forces, occurred in Maguindanao del Sur province, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported, citing military officials.

At least 10 suspected militants wielding M16 and M14 rifles opened fire on a civilian vehicle used by troops to purchase food and other items in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town.

The soldiers were heading back to their patrol base after the purchase when they were attacked.

The army blamed Dawlah Islamiya armed group for the attack.

The Dawlah Islamiya is accused of being behind several attacks on Mindanao island, including a bombing at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del Sur province, in December last year, which killed four people and injured 50.

On Dec. 2 last year, 11 suspected militants of the group were killed during an air and ground assault by government forces in the mountains of Datu Hoffer.