Duterte claims ‘never approached’ US for help in battle against Islamist militants (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Published time: 11 Jun, 2017 12:03
Edited time: 11 Jun, 2017 13:27

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has denied media reports claiming he requested US Special Forces assistance in the battle for Marawi City, saying on Sunday that he “never approached America” for help.

“I am not aware of that until they arrived,” Duterte said when discussing the latest developments in Marawi City.

Duterte’s comments follow a 14-hour battle Friday that killed 13 Philippines military personnel and left 40 wounded, the heaviest losses sustained so far in operations to retake the city occupied by ISIS-affiliated militants.

Since May 23 when fighting began, 58 Philippines soldiers have died.

https://www.rt.com/news/391843-duterte-us-special-forces-marawi/

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-militants-duterte-id...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/philippines-marawi-rod...