News

Pentagon Says Troops Killed in Philippines Hit by Roadside Bomb

Pentagon Says Troops Killed in Philippines Hit by Roadside Bomb
Pentagon Says Troops Killed in Philippines Hit by Roadside Bomb

Multimedia

Audio
The U.S. Defense Department says two U.S. troops and a Philippine Marine killed in the southern Philippines on Tuesday were targeted by an improvised explosive device - a weapon that has killed more U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan than any other insurgent tactic.  

<!-- IMAGE -->

Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman says the incident is under investigation, but early indications are that the troops' vehicle was targeted by a roadside bomb similar to the ones used by insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

Whitman says the two Americans and one Filipino killed on Tuesday were on their way to re-supply troops helping to build a school on the southern island of Jolo.

While this is the first attack on U.S. troops in the Philippines in seven years, Whitman says they are aware of the constant danger.

"The threat has been well known," Whitman said. "They operate cognizant of the threat that is there.  The threat didn't diminish or necessarily increase as a result of this particular incident.  But this is the first time, at least in any recent history that I can recall, that a particular device of this nature was used against U.S. forces.  So obviously, the command is going to be taking a look at that."

It was 2002 when the last American service member was killed in the Philippines by a bomb.  That incident occurred when explosives attached to a motorcycle detonated on a different southern island.

The Philippine military says it suspects the Abu Sayyaf group was responsible for Tuesday's attack.  Abu Sayyaf is a militant Islamic separatist group with ties to al-Qaida terrorists, who are fighting U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as conducting attacks around the world.

About 600 U.S. troops are in the Philippines, training and advising the Philippine military and helping with humanitarian projects.  The training focuses on counterinsurgency tactics, through force and through civic projects, to help the Philippine government combat Abu Sayyaf and other insurgent groups. 

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Drug Kingpin El Chapo Guzman Injured During Searchi
X
Alberto Pimienta
October 19, 2015 8:34 PM
Mexican authorities are closing in on the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. “El Chapo” avoided being captured over the weekend but the Mexican government says he’s now injured. VOA's Alberto Pimienta reports.
Video

Video Drug Kingpin El Chapo Guzman Injured During Search

Mexican authorities are closing in on the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. “El Chapo” avoided being captured over the weekend but the Mexican government says he’s now injured. VOA's Alberto Pimienta reports.
Video

Video Kenyan Town Vies to Become East African Cycling Hub

The sport of cycling has steadily built a following in East Africa in recent years. It doesn’t hurt that two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome was born in Kenya and trained by one of Africa’s best cyclists, David Kinjah. And now the town of Machakos, about 56 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, is trying to become Kenya’s, and perhaps East Africa’s, cycling hub. VOA’s Jill Craig has more from Machakos, Kenya.
Video

Video Taliban Remain Serious Threat in Provinces Around Kunduz

Even though Afghan security forces have regained control of the northern city of Kunduz from the Taliban after fierce fighting, the security situation in the region is still tenuous. VOA’s Ayesha Tanzeem traveled to Baghlan Province, neighboring Kunduz, and has this report on the situation there.
Video

Video Taiwan Finding Niche Markets in China’s Shadow

China’s economy is like a business magnet and as its influence grows its neighbors are finding it increasingly difficult to remain competitive. Like many economies in the region, Taiwan has been hit hard in recent years as China’s so-called “red-supply chain” has drained off talent and opportunities.
Video

Video Amid Congressional Leadership Crisis, Momentous US Fiscal Deadlines Loom

The U.S. Congress faces critical fiscal deadlines at a time of upheaval and uncertainty on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are returning from a weeklong recess still wondering who will lead the House of Representatives. Michael Bowman reports.
Video

Video Egyptians Vote in Long-delayed Parliamentary Election

Voting in a long-awaited election for a new parliament opened Sunday in half of Egypt's provinces as the government works to complete a roadmap to democracy implemented following the ouster of the country's first freely elected civilian President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Video

Video Reparations Underway for War Victims in Ivory Coast, Many Still Awaiting

Five years after the deadly 2010 post-election violence in Ivory Coast, the country is determined to consolidate its peace. And to help in that reconciliation, President Alassane Ouattara created agencies aimed at providing reparation for war victims. The first batch of victims was compensated last August. But many are still waiting, and some are losing patience over the lagging process. Emilie Iob reports.
Video

Video Inter-Korean Family Reunions Preparations Under Way

A South Korean advance team that includes Red Cross officials is now in North Korea to prepare for next week’s reunion for families that have been separated by the Korean War. VOA’s Brian Padden reports from Seoul that this rare reunion, that just weeks ago looked unlikely to happen, will offer the 200 selected participants the first opportunity to see their families in over half a century. And it could clear the way to further inter-Korean cooperation.
Video

Video Vets: Syria Not Another Afghanistan for Russia

Russia's military strikes in Syria against enemies of President Bashar al-Assad have raised fears of a proxy war against U.S.-armed rebels. The concerns echo the Soviet Union's 1979 intervention in Afghanistan. Russian veterans of the Afghan War, however, say a similar conflict in Syria is unlikely as long as ground troops are not involved. VOA's Daniel Schearf reports from Moscow.
Video

Video Largest US Prisoner Release to Begin Oct. 30

The United States is beginning its largest prisoner release in history, now that federal sentencing guidelines have been reduced for certain drug offenders. VOA's Carolyn Presutti talks to an inmate who is counting down the days to freedom — and the people who don't think he's yet to earn it.
Video

Video Syrian Refugees in US Struggle to Start Anew

Communities across the United States are welcoming Syrian refugees who have fled their war-torn country and often spent many months, if not years, in refugee camps. But, as VOA’s Greg Flakus reports from Houston, some of their biggest challenges come as they try to adapt to life in a new country.
Video

Video Turkey: Europe’s Offer of Migrant Deal ‘Insincere’

European Union leaders have agreed on a plan to offer Turkey $3.5 billion, together with visa-free travel and renewed accession talks, in return for stopping the flow of refugees and migrants into the EU. But as Henry Ridgwell reports from London, the offer is getting a lukewarm reception in Ankara.
Video

Video Amnesty Accuses Saudi Coalition of ‘War Crimes’ in Yemen

The human rights group Amnesty International has accused the Saudi-led coalition of war crimes in airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Henry Ridgwell reports the group says hundreds of civilians have been killed in strikes on residential areas.

VOA Blogs