801 people killed in ongoing Philippines conflict

Manila, Sep 1 (IANS) At least 801 people have been killed in the last 102 days in the Philippine city of Marawi as the army continues with its efforts to clear it of Islamic State-backed rebels, authorities said on Friday.

The victims were 620 rebels, 136 soldiers and 45 civilians, according to a statement by the Philippines armed forces.

Around 360,000 people, half of them children, have been displaced by the conflict since May 23, reports Efe news.

The Philippine army says it has closed in on the remaining 50 IS fighters who are still in the city and are finalising a final assault on the rebels to end the stand-off.

The clashes erupted on May 23 when hundreds of Maute group rebels, along with foreign fighters, laid a partial siege to the city.

The army said it has been cautious in its attempts to free Marawi to protect around the 50 civilians, including Teresito Suganob, the vicar general of the city, whom the rebels have allegedly been using as human shields.

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