In the Philippines, military officials are claiming to have killed a key leader in the Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf.

Philippine military chief Hermogenes Esperon: “We are officially confirming the death of Jainal Antel Sali, alias Abu Sulaiman, alias 'the Engineer,' who is actually the Abu Sayyaf group logistics and supply officer and the overall leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, urban terrorist group.”

The Abu Sayyaf are fighting for a pan-Islamic state within the Philippines. U.S. military advisers are assisting the Philippine government, and there are reports U.S. special forces have engaged in direct combat against Muslim rebel groups. The group Focus on the Global South says U.S. military involvement may be violating the Philippine constitution and should be investigated.