The US military is providing "technical support" to the Philippine troops fighting the Islamist militants who occupied southern Philippine city of Marawi since May 23, an army officer said on Saturday, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
The presence of the US counterparts facilitates that exchanges of intelligence, subject matter experts exchange and provides training exchanges and the technical support, Lt. Cok.Jo-Ar Herrera told a news conference.
Asked if there are US troops fighting on the ground, Herrera said, "No. They are not fighting. They are just providing technical support."
Herrera said militants are now using civilians as human shields against the military offensive. Many of the remaining 30 to 40 militants have sought refuge in mosques to hide from the pursuing troops.
The military hopes to "liberate" the besieged city by June 12 from the militants.
So far 58 soldiers and policemen have been killed in the military offensive that also started on May 23.

Source : BERNAMA