World News | Tue Sep 13, 2016 3:39am EDT
Duterte says he wants U.S. special forces out of southern Philippines
By Manuel Mogato | MANILA
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called for the withdrawal of U.S. special forces troops from a group of islands in the southern Philippines, saying their presence could complicate offensives against Islamist militants notorious for beheading Westerners.
Duterte, who was in the spotlight last week over a televised tirade against the United States and President Barack Obama, said the Americans still in Mindanao were high-value targets for the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf militants as counter-insurgency operations intensify.
"They have to go," Duterte said in a speech during an oath-taking ceremony for new officials. "I do not want a rift with America. But they have to go."
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-usa-duterte-idUSKCN11I10J
