Sunday, February 21, 2010

Rebel Leader in the Philippines Killed

An assault by Philippine troops on Abu Sayyaf, a radical rebel group, left six dead, one a key leader. The leader was Albader Parad, a man wanted for abducting three Red Cross workers last year. The Abu Sayyaf group is the smallest of the Philippine's Islamic separatist groups, but also the most radical. Despite their size, they have been accused of committing brutal crimes such as bombing, beheading, and kidnapping. Their crimes target local Filipinos as well as foreigners. Christians are also targeted. The group has also been accused of having links with al-Qaeda. They wish to control parts of the Philippines, including Mindanao and the Sulu Islands, but the governments refuses to listen. The attack that ultimately killed Parad was started when Philippine troops received a tip-off from locals in the area. Officials had arrested another Abu Sayyaf leader in December, so Parad's death will be a blow to this militant rebel group.

By Abbey Smith

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