RP captures 13 Abu Sayyaf rebels

RP captures 13 Abu Sayyaf rebels

PHILIPPINES: Manila has captured 13 members of the Abu Sayyaf group which the United States has linked to extremists responsible for last month's air attacks on U.S. landmarks, a Manila official said on Thursday.

One Abu Sayyaf guerrilla was killed in the military operation on Tuesday on an isle near Zamboanga city on the main southern island of Mindanao, presidential national security adviser Roilo Golez told reporters.

The United States has named the Abu Sayyaf as one of the groups supporting Saudi-born dissident Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda organization, which U.S. officials blame for the Sept. 11 suicide attacks on New York and Washington.

The Abu Sayyaf has been holding two American nationals and 16 Filipinos hostage for months on Basilan island, near Mindanao. A total of 178 Abu Sayyaf members have been captured by Philippine troops since July. -- Reuters