Civilians flee Marawi as Philippines troops battle ISIL-linked fighters

Residents have been fleeing a city in the southern Philippines amid fighting between government troops and rebels linked to the so-called Islamic State. Marawi City has been besieged and under attack since a failed raid by security forces on the hideout of one group. Amid increasing violence and chaos, hundreds of people have been leaving to find safety elsewhere. Nearly 50 people – at least 30 rebels and almost a dozen soldiers – have reportedly been killed since the fighting kicked off on Tuesday. It followed President Dutarte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-largest island, to stop the spread of ISIL-linked radicalism. The authorities have warned that foreigners – it’s thought including Indonesians and Malaysians – have joined the insurgency. ISIL flags are said to have been raised in several places. Appeals have gone out on social media to save the local population under the hashtag #PrayForMarawi. Thousands of residents flee Marawi as insurgents battle Philippines troops, raise Islamic State flag – ABC Online https://t.co/HgzVHMRTgg pic.twitter.com/WBPTMUSF4o— OFW Updates (@OFWupdates) May 26, 2017