Australia to deploy reconnaissance aircraft in Philippines

Australia will deploy military reconnaissance aircraft in the Philippines to assist it in its fight against militant groups, Defence Minister Marise Payne said on Friday.

Payne said the Philippine authorities have accepted two AP-3C Orion planes offered by Australia to perform reconnaissance missions over the country's southern region, reports Efe news.

"The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from IS (Islamic State) and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests," she said.

"I spoke with my counterpart Secretary of Defence Delfin Lorenzana about how Australia can assist the Philippines in its fight against extremists," she said. "Australia will continue to work with our partners in Southeast Asia to counter it."

The decision to deploy the aircraft comes after the IS-linked Maute group stormed the southern Mindanao city of Marawi, where the armed group continues to resist the Philippine Army despite being subjected to airstrikes and bombings.

According to the latest official figures, the fighting has killed 268 militants, 66 security personnel and 26 civilians, while the more than 200,000 inhabitants of Marawi have either fled or have been evacuated.

--IANS

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