Government forces killed the Islamic State’s emir in Southeast Asia in an encounter in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Wednesday.
Abu Zacharia, who was also the leader of the Daulah Islamiyah group, was the target of an arrest warrant by the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police.
“Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate. Abu Zacharia also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position,” the WesMinCom mentioned in a statement.
In the same vein, the military pointed out that a soldier was hurt in the firefight that lasted 10 minutes, adding it recovered two M16A1 rifles with ammunition.
The military indicated that the government troops killed Morsid in a firefight.
“This is a significant breakthrough in our campaign against the Daulah Islamiyah. We are certain that the death of Abu Zacharia will be the downfall of the IS-inspired group in our area of operation,” said WesMinCon chief Lt. Gen. Roy Gallido in the statement.
