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Two dead, 6 injured and 30 taken as hostages after Islamists’ raid

A group of up to 300 militants from Moro National Liberation Front attacked several areas on the outskirts of Zamboanga

Photo EPA/LAURENZ CASTILLO

Photo EPA/LAURENZ CASTILLO

HANOI, September 9. (Itar-Tass). - At least two people were killed and six wounded in an attack of Islamists in southern Philippines. The incident took place on Monday in the city of Zamboanga, according to local police.

According to available data, a group of up to 300 militants attacked several areas on the outskirts of Zamboanga, taking as hostages some 30 local residents. Government troops stationed in the area came into confrontation with the Islamists.

The attackers belong to the used-to-be rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that years ago signed a peace agreement with the government. MNLF had been fighting for over three decades for separation the south of the country from the Philippines and the establishment of an independent Islamic state there. In 1996, the group made peace with Manila administration and ceased resistance in exchange for broad autonomy for regions inhabited by Muslims.

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