US embassy cable - 05MANILA5316

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Identifier:	05MANILA5316
Wikileaks:	View 05MANILA5316 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Manila
Created:	2005-11-13 11:31:00
Classification:	SECRET//NOFORN
Tags:	PTER PINS MOPS MARR MCAP RP
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

S E C R E T MANILA 005316 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
STATE FOR INR/EAP, S/CT, AND EAP/MTS 
SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP FOR ALLEN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2015 
TAGS: PTER, PINS, MOPS, MARR, MCAP, RP 
SUBJECT: AFP ENGAGES ABU SAYYAF TERRORISTS ON JOLO 
 
Classified By: (U) Political Officer Paul O'Friel 
for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) In a significant combat operation, Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP) units engaged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) 
terrorists on the island of Jolo over the weekend of November 
12-13.  The AFP initiated the operation, which involved Task 
Force Comet and elements of the 104th Brigade, 3d Marine 
Brigade, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy, to 
capture/kill a key ASG sub-commander, Dr. Abu, in the 
vicinity of Mt. Tumatangas. 
 
2.  (C) Despite torrential rain and steep terrain, AFP units 
maintained contact with the terrorists.  The heavy fighting 
left 21 AFP soldiers wounded in action and four dead.  The 
AFP believes the ASG suffered significant casualties, but we 
have not been able to confirm these estimates independently. 
 
3.  (S/NF) Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines 
(JSOTF-P) liaison elements provided intelligence support and 
advice at the battalion-level and above during the operation. 
 JSOTF-P was not involved in the planning phase of the 
operation until it was well underway, and was, therefore, 
unable to assist in developing its more detailed aspects. 
 
4.  (C) COMMENT. The AFP fought credibly on difficult terrain 
and in austere weather conditions, maneuvering to and 
maintaining contact with enemy forces.  While suffering 
casualties of their own, they continued to press on and 
remained in the field.  The SOUTHCOM Commander, LTG Adan, 
appears committed to pursuing the ASG, and has reportedly 
instructed the Task Force Comet Commander to keep up the 
pressure, with the goal of capturing senior ASG targets 
before the end of December. 
 
 
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm 
Jones