CONFIRMED DEATH OF ABU SAYYAF GROUP LEADER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 000241 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR S, D, P, S/CT, EAP, CA USPACOM FOR ADMIRAL FALLON JOINT STAFF J5 (WILKES/ROBINSON/CLEMMONS) OSD/ISA/AP (LAWLESS/TOOLAN/BAILEY) E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2017 TAGS: PTER MOPS MCAP PREL CASC RP SUBJECT: CONFIRMED DEATH OF ABU SAYYAF GROUP LEADER KHADDAFY JANJALANI: ACTION REQUEST REF: A. BELLARD/OPS CENTER TELCON ¶B. MANILA 0214 ¶C. MANILA 0196 ¶D. MANILA 0179 ¶E. MANILA 3560 ¶F. MANILA 3401 ¶G. MANILA 3352 ¶H. MANILA 3299 ¶I. MANILA 3218 Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) . ¶1. (C) DNA testing by FBI laboratories, in consultation with Philippine experts, confirmed on January 19 that a corpse recently uncovered on Jolo Island in the course of the ongoing "Operation Ultimatum" by the Armed Forces of the Philippines was that of Khaddafy Janjalani, the leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group. This confirmation comes within days of the Philippine announcement that Philippine troops had also killed ASG mastermind Abu Solaiman AKA Jainal Sali, also as part of "Operation Ultimatum" (ref c). The U.S. Government's Rewards for Justice program had offered rewards of up to US$ 5 million for each of these wanted terrorists. Septel will provide suggested press guidance. U.S. ASSISTANCE PLAYED A KEY SUPPORTING ROLE -------------- ¶2. (SBU) While this was a truly Philippine counterterrorism success, the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines directly assisted in planning "Operation Ultimatum," and they and other relevant USG agencies provided constant intelligence support, operations advice, and assistance since the start of the operation in August 2006, in which at least 19 Philippine troops have died and another 103 have been wounded already. At least 48 terrorists have been killed and another 15 have surrendered. In addition, U.S. development assistance, exchange programs, and the visit of the USNS Mercy have played a key role in separating terrorists from the population and creating an environment in which the local population did not defend, shelter, or otherwise assist these wanted terrorists. Coordinated development, humanitarian and military assistance created an environment for the Philippine military to succeed. The ambitious Philippine Defense Reform program has also helped on an institutional basis to ensure that the Armed Forces of the Philippines are increasing capable and effective, as these successes demonstrate. ¶3. (SBU) Upon receiving the news from the FBI, Ambassador and senior Embassy staff on January 20 immediately congratulated Philippine officials, who expressed elation at the news. Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Esperon said that he would likely wait until Monday, January 22 to make a public announcement in order to obtain maximum press coverage. ACTION REQUEST: CONGRATULATORY CALLS -------------- ¶4. (C) President Arroyo courageously and publicly launched "Operation Ultimatum," despite low approval ratings and ongoing difficulties with the Philippine Congress, to finish off the senior JI and ASG leadership in the southern Philippines. Both groups have killed Americans and Filipinos alike over the past several years. A Philippine court in June 2005 convicted seven key ASG terrorists involved in the Dos Palmos kidnapping (which involved an Amcit couple, the Burnhams) and other terrorist acts. While the recent deaths of key ASG leaders are a real victory in the war on terrorism and directly contribute to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, the job of eliminating terrorists from the southern Philippines is not over. A congratulatory call from the President to President Arroyo (who departs for the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 24),Secretary Rice to Secretary Romulo (who is currently in Washington),and DCI to SIPDIS Philippine National Security Advisor Bert Gonzalez will be important to sustain momentum in the drive by President Arroyo and the Philippine military to finish the job. MANILA 00000241 002 OF 002 Embassy Canberra may want to brief senior Australian officials should Prime Minister Howard also wish to congratulate President Arroyo. State Department officials may also wish to brief Mrs. Burnham on the death of yet another one of the terrorists who kidnapped her and her husband. Suggested points: -- Congratulations on deaths of the top leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Khaddafy Janjalani and Abu Solaiman; -- These are important victories in the war on terrorism; -- These terrorists were responsible for killing both Filipinos and Americans; -- Philippine troops performed superbly in a coordinated, sustained joint operation; -- Pleased that the U.S. was able to provide useful intelligence and other support; -- Our partnership in the Philippines is helping to establish peace and prosperity, making terrorists unwelcome; -- Will continue our joint efforts; -- Encourage you to continue until all terrorists are eradicated. COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (C) The Philippine government, in this latest and continuing offensive, is proving itself as a dedicated ally of the U.S. in the war on terror, willing to make the necessary sacrifices to wipe out terrorist leaders and to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the Philippines. President Arroyo, in her chairmanship of ASEAN-related summits in Cebu recently (ref d) also demonstrated courage and leadership in focusing attention on key strategic issues including Burma and North Korea, and in making sure that those countries heard a consistent warning from these regional groups. End Comment. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm KENNEY