Philippine Military Has Launched Airstrikes Against Abu Sayyaf

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DW: Philippines military launches airstrikes on Abu Sayyaf

The Philippine military has launched airstrikes against a group threatening to behead a German man. The deadline for the delivery of a 566,000-euro ransom has passed with no updates.

The Philippine military has continued airstrikes on Abu Sayyaf ahead of a ransom deadline, a military spokesman said on Sunday.
The militants issued their "final ultimatum" nearly two weeks ago, saying they would behead a 70-year-old German hostage if they did not receive 30 million pesos (566,000 euros/$600,000) by 3 p.m. (0700 UTC) on Sunday. There have been no updates since the deadline passed.

"The armed forces will pursue the enemy and dictate the terms - not the other way around," military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said. "The operations are not only aimed at rescuing hostages, but also to significantly degrade enemy capabilities."

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WNU Editor: I guess the Philippine government/military are responding to reports of this .... Military checking reports of German beheading (Inquirer.net).