16 soldiers wounded as troops, Maute clash in Marawi

MARAWI CITY, Philippines - At least 16 soldiers were wounded in action (WIA) in a fresh firefight between government troops and Maute Group Friday.

The wounded Marine troopers were transported from Marawi to a medical facility in Iligan City on board military trucks late Friday afternoon.

Soldiers escorting the WIAs said security forces tried to retake the Mapandi Bridge that resulted in the wounding of their comrades.

The military could not yet confirm if there was anyone killed in action.

Early Friday morning, jet fighters launched a new round of bombing targeting the city's conflict zone, specifically in Barangay Bangolo, one of the three remaining villages with Maute presence.

Lieutenant Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesperson of the Phil. Army's 1st Infantry Division, said the Maute Group has weakened as government forces are pushing harder into the area the terrorists are holding.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy was killed by a stray sniper fire Friday morning.

Initial reports said the victim was praying with other residents inside a mosque in Barangay Datu Saber. (PNA)