Fifty six militants, including an unnamed person allegedly on the US most wanted terrorist list, were killed in a major operation the Philippines' armed forces launched against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Brigadier-General Joselito Kakilala, a spokesman for the military, referred to one of the cadavers as a "foreign-looking guy" resembling an Islamic militant, sought by the United States. The spokesman did not provide additional details.
The offensive, expected to end this week, left four soldiers dead and 21 injured. Four militants from the group that has approximately 300 members were arrested during the operation. At least 30 BIFF fighters were injured.
The army also claimed to have seized factories where BIFF militants were making bombs.