Summary: The Philippine military’s recent operation resulted in the death of Khadafi Mimbesa, the ISIS-affiliated Dawlah Islamiyah leader behind the December 3 bombing at a Catholic mass in Mindanao State University, which left four dead.
In a operation conducted in late January in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, the Philippine military targeted members of the Dawlah Islamiyah group, leading to the death of Khadafi Mimbesa, also known as “Engineer.” This individual was believed to be the mastermind behind the tragic bombing that occurred during a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University on December 3, 2023. The military’s effort also resulted in the death of several militants, the capture of one, and the escape of two others. Army Brigadier General Yegor Rey Barroquillo and armed forces chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. have confirmed the operation’s success and reiterated the military’s dedication to eliminating terrorism and enhancing security across the Philippines.
In a statement to AP, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner warned that “Our troops will be relentless in the pursuit of those who will seek to disturb the peace. Take this as an invitation and a call to surrender now and avoid the same fate as your dead comrades.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines through its 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army confirmed the death of Khadafi Mimbesa, also known as “Engineer,” in the military operation in January in Lanao del Sur.#OneAFPOnePHILIPPINES#StrongAFPStrongPHILIPPINES#AFPyoucanTRUST pic.twitter.com/ktTXjpd96g
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) February 12, 2024
This operation was a response to the December 3 attack, where an explosive device detonated at the Mindanao State University’s Dimaporo Gym in Marawi City during a Catholic mass, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it targeted “infidel Christians.” This act of violence was interpreted as retaliation against an earlier military operation in Maguindanao del Sur that killed nearly a dozen militants, including a new leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah group
[Trigger Warning: sensitive content]
LOOK: A bomb ripped through the Dimaporo Gym inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus in Marawi City early Sunday, Dec. 3, amid a Catholic Holy Mass attended mainly by students. | 📷: Contributed via Paul Lauro, @cebudailynews
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— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 3, 2023
The successful operation against Mimbesa and his associates marks a significant victory for the Philippine military in its ongoing fight against terrorist activities in the region. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through its 103rd Infantry Brigade, has expressed its unwavering resolve to pursue and neutralize threats to peace and security.
