THE overall leader of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Southeast Asia and one of his top associates were killed during law enforcement operations in Marawi City yesterday, the military said.
Faharudin Benito Hadji Satar, popularly known as Abu Zacaria, had the dual role of emir of ISIS-Southeast Asia and of ISIS-Philippines.
Satar was among 10 individuals designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council in February 2021 “for conspiring, planning and preparing for the commission of terrorism.”
He was also among those who laid a siege to Marawi City in 2017, leading to a five-month gun battle that claimed the lives of about a thousand terrorists, including then ISIS-Southeast Asia emir Isnilon Hapilon.
The five-month fighting also claimed the lives of 168 soldiers and policemen and 47 civilians and massive destruction of property in the city.
Satar — wanted for kidnapping, arson, murder and frustrated murder — took the helm of ISIS Southeast ASia and ISIS Philippines after the killing of his predecessor, Asim Karinda alias Abu Azim, in December 2021 during a clash with government troops in Aleosan, Cotabato.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said ISIS members in the country are operating in “small groups.” He said he has no information on whether there are foreign ISIS members operating in the country.
“But what is important is that the head of the ISIS here is eliminated, neutralized during a law enforcement action… The head of the ISIS (in Southeast Asia and Philippines) was neutralized through law enforcement operation, jointly by PNP and AFP,” he said.
Maj. Andrew Linao, Wemincom spokesman, said soldiers and policemen raided Satar’s lair in Barangay Bangon in Marawi City at around 1:30 a.m. to serve him an arrest warrant. He fought it out with the government authorities, leading to his death.
The troops recovered two M16 rifles, two grenades and a 60 mm mortar, Linao also said.
During follow-up operations in the same barangay, the troops also raided a lair of Satar’s finance and logistics officer, Joharie Sandab alias Morsid, at around 6 a.m.
Linao said Sandab, who also had standing arrest warrants, also resisted arrest, leading to his death. Recovered during the operation were M16 rifle, a Glock pistol, and a hand grenade.
Galido said Satar’s death “is a significant breakthrough in our campaign” against terrorist groups in the country.
“We are certain that the death of Abu Zacaria will be the downfall of the ISIS-inspired groups in our area of operation,” said Galido.
Linao said the death of Satar and Sandab dealt a blow to ISIS operations in the country.
“We will not be complacent and compliant (to efforts to end the group). We will still target their members and leaders because they are still there,” said Linao.
Yesterday’s successful operation came weeks after the capture of seven members of the Daulah Islamiyah, which are among the groups composing ISIS Philippines, in Lanao del Sur.
“That (capture of the seven) gave us a good information which resulted in this successful pursuit operation,” said Lina.
