Australian forces fly into the Philippines to fight ISIS as terrorist numbers double in less than a year

Australia has responded to the growing threat of Islamic State in the Philippines by deploying troops to the region.

With over 100 foreign fighters now calling the Filipino island of Mindanao home, the Australian special forces are concerned the caliphate may be searching for a new home, after strongholds in Iraq and Syria were both disbanded.

The foreign fighters known to be hiding out in the community are primarily from Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Middle East, 9News reported.

And the reported number is double the estimate the Filipino intelligence agency provided in January of 2018.

Only a year ago, the city of Marawi on the island of Mindanao was freed from the Islamic State control.

Over 1,100 people died and another 300,000 were displaced during the process, but after a five month siege the extremists were overrun and their stronghold liberated.

But with four separate organisations currently pledged to ISIS in the region – Maute, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf and Ansar Khalifah Philippines – and easy access to the island via boat, the military are struggling to contain the threat.

Over 100 Australian military personnel including special forces have been deployed to the region to train local soldiers and contain the threat.

The mission, named Joint Task Group 629 has successfully trained over 4,500 Filipino army and marine personnel.

Their goal is to teach troops how to best incorporate air and ground officers.

Professor Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research believes despite the extremists losing their stronghold in Mindanao, the threat is increasing.

‘The [foreign fighters] regard Mindanao as the new land of jihad, safe haven and alternative home base,’ Prof Banlaoi said.

Source: Daily Mail