U.S. Military Support for the Philippines in Battle Against ISIS Allies in Mindanao

The Philippines announced that the U.S. military is providing "technical support" to break the siege of Marawi city by allies of the Islamic State. Hundreds of Maute group militants, who have allied with ISIS, have besieged the southern city of Marawi. Among these militants are individuals from neighboring countries and the Middle East, raising concerns that this group may expand its influence in Southeast Asia. Previously, a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Manila told Reuters that U.S. special forces are assisting in the liberation of Marawi at the request of the Philippine government. Part of the city has been under siege by these militants since May 22. According to local media reports, an American reconnaissance aircraft was spotted over Marawi city on Friday. Until now, U.S. assistance to the Philippine army to break the siege of Marawi in Mindanao had not been confirmed. Joar Herrera, a spokesperson for the Philippine army, confirmed the U.S. military's involvement in this operation but stated, "They are not fighting, they are only providing technical support." This military cooperation comes at a time when controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has harshly criticized the U.S. in recent months and has called for the withdrawal of American troops from the country. The U.S. deployed 1,200 troops to Mindanao in 2002 to assist the Philippine government in combating the Abu Sayyaf group. By 2015, most of these troops had left Mindanao, with only a small number remaining for logistical and technical support. Meanwhile, Joar Herrera announced on Saturday that 13 Philippine Marines have been killed in the Marawi battle. The number of Philippine military casualties in this battle has reached 58, with 20 civilians also reported dead.