At least 13 marine soldiers have been killed during a series of heavy fighting between government troops and Islamist militants on Friday in the southern Philippine city of Marawi, the military said on Saturday, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera told a news conference that intense fighting broke out on Friday in Lilot Madaya village in a bid to "liberate" the besieged city from the clutches of local terrorists who occupied the city on May 23.
The killings of 13 soldiers brought to 58 the total number of soldiers and policemen killed in over two weeks of fighting that also displaced more than 200,000 residents.
"The troops continue to gain more foothold," Herrera said, adding the militants are using mosques and tunnels to evade the pursuing troops.
"Local terrorists have used the mosques as their safe haven and at the same time battle defensive position," making it difficult for soldiers to flush out the remaining militants still holed up in the city, he said.
The 13 were killed in action during "intense house-to-house firefight" between the marine soldiers and militants in an area controlled by the militants, he added.
"We are still awaiting for the reports pertaining to the soldiers who are wounded in action," Herrera said.
Media reports said more than 40 have been wounded in clashes on Friday.
He said combat clearing operation will continue.
Meanwhile, Herrera confirmed that the US military are providing technical support in the operation in Marawi city.
"The presence of the US counterparts facilitates the exchanges of intelligence and subject matter expert exchange and also provides training exchanges in the fight against global terrorism," Herrera said.
The military vowed to "liberate" the city by Monday.

Source : BERNAMA