Meanwhile, the Pentagon has also confirmed that U.S. special operations troops are supporting Philippines troops fighting militants in Marawi City. An unnamed U.S. official told Reuters the U.S. support includes training, aerial surveillance and electronic eavesdropping. The U.S. has 300 to 500 troops in the Philippines, although they are reportedly not engaged in direct fighting. The militants linked to ISIS seized control of Marawi City on May 23.