Philippines troops clash with Abu Sayyaf - 11 dead

[EC]

Via the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22664820

Seven marines and at least four militants were killed as troops fought Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines, the military says.

Nine other marines and a number of Abu Sayyaf fighters were wounded, a local military commander said.

A firefight broke out near the coastal town of Patikul in Sulu province as troops tracked the militants, he said.

Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist militant group, has carried out a series of recent kidnappings.
Kidnap for ransom

Military spokesman Brig Gen Domingo Tutaan said the gun battle raged for an hour in a village on the outskirts of Patikul.

More at link.