Troops kill 11 Abu Sayyaf rebels

Troops kill 11 Abu Sayyaf rebels

PHILIPPINES: At least 11 members of a Philippine guerrilla group linked to Islamic militant Osama bin Laden were killed in clashes on Tuesday as troops closed in on gunmen holding U.S. and Filipino hostages, officials said.

Losses suffered by the self-styled Abu Sayyaf rebels in the latest clashes in jungles on the outskirts of Isabela, the provincial capital, brought to 41 the number of guerrillas killed over the past few days, Golez said on ANC television network.

There was no fresh word on the condition of a U.S. missionary couple and at least eight Filipinos held captive by the gang, the military said.

American Martin Burnham, who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf along with his wife Gracia in May, said in a radio interview on Monday the couple was unhurt but tired and frightened. --Reuters