12 troopers wounded in IED attack in Basilan

MANILA -- Twelve soldiers, conducting clearing operations against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Albarka, Basilan, were wounded after accidentally triggering an improvised explosive device on Sunday morning.This was confirmed by Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) spokesperson Major Filemon Tan in a message to the PNA.He declined to give the names of the wounded and other specifics pending notification of the soldiers' next-of-kin.Tan said Sunday's clearing operation was part of the WESTMINCOM's ongoing focused military operation against the bandit group which started last Dec. 14 and concentrated at Sitios Bohe Libi and Bohe Buug, Barangay Macalang, Albarka.In the operations, an estimated 26 ASG bandits were killed while another 16 were wounded.Government casualties totaled three dead and 26 wounded, including the 12 wounded in Sunday's IED attack.An ASG encampment, which can accommodate 250 individuals, was seized during the operations.Tan said the camp has 28 structures, including 10 dug-in bunkers five feet in height, six feet wide and seven feet in length, and capable of holding 10 to 15 men. (PNA)SCS/PFN