MILITARY OPERATION AGAINST SUSPECTED ICRC HOSTAGE

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 000572 NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/16/2019 TAGS: MARR MCAP PREL PTER RP MASS SUBJECT: MILITARY OPERATION AGAINST SUSPECTED ICRC HOSTAGE TAKERS REF: MANILA 247-KIDNAPPED RED CROSS WORKERS BEGIN FOURTH WEEK WITH TERRORIST GROUP Classified By: Political Counselor Thomas B. Gibons, reasons 1.4 (b) an d (d) ¶1. (C) On March 16, Philippine forces launched a combined operation on Jolo island in the southern Philippines against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists suspected of kidnapping three members of the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) on January 15 . The Swiss, Italian, and Filipino nationals were kidnapped after an ICRC prison visit in Jolo City and taken into the nearby jungle (reftel). The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been attempting to locate the position of Albader Parad, a top ASG leader thought to have masterminded the kidnappings, for the last two months. U.S. and Philippine reports suggest that the hostages may have been separated into two groups, with Parad maintaining control over the Swiss and Italian nationals, but the Philippine media reported that all three hostages were in the vicinity of the Parad camp when the operation started. ¶2. (C) Elements of the Philippine Army's U.S.-trained Light Reaction Company (LRC) conducted surveillance on the camp of Albader Parad, a top ASG leader, for several hours on March 15 and 16 and determined the hostages were located in the camp. Combined units of the Philippine Armed Forces initiated a raid against the compound in the late morning, led by infantry and supported by artillery. Preliminary reports are that an LRC sniper team may have wounded or killed Parad prior to the start of the rescue operation, and AFP units are attempting to confirm Parad's status. Post will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and report appropriately. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/ KENNEY