Philippine airstrikes target Daesh militants near Marawi

A Philippine military official said airstrikes and
ground assaults have targeted a group of Daesh-linked militants, including
their leader, who helped lead a five-month siege in southern Marawi city last
year, ABC News reported.
Army Col. Romeo Brawner said the military received
reports that at least five militants were killed in Sunday's offensive but the
deaths haven't been confirmed.
The offensive sparked gunbattles between troops and
the extremists in mountainous areas of Lanao del Sur province. Hundreds of
villagers fled from nearby towns as the offensive got underway.
Brawner said Monday the offensive targeted about 40
militants led by Owayda Benito Marohombsar, who uses the nom de guerre Abu Dar.
He was among those who led the attack on Marawi, but managed to escape before
troops quelled the uprising in October.