LAHAD DATU, Malaysia - Malaysian security forces launched an
assault on Tuesday to clear out armed Filipino intruders engaged in
a three-week incursion that has left 27 people dead.
Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement run by national news
agency Bernama that negotiations with the Filipino militants,
believed to number 100-300 and holed up in a farming village, had
failed.
"At 7:00 am this morning, security forces launched an attack on
Tanduo village," Najib said.
A total of 27 people have been reported killed since the militants
landed on February 12 in the state of Sabah on Borneo island by
boat and claimed the state on behalf of the heir to a now-defunct
Philippine Islamic sultanate.
It has been Malaysia's worst security crisis in years, underlining
instability and lawlessness in the seas between the two countries
and exposing lax Malaysian security along its coast.
"The longer this invasion lasts, it is clear to the authorities
that the invaders do not intend to leave Sabah," Najib said.
"The government must take action to safeguard the dignity and
sovereignty of the country as required by the people."
Violence first erupted on Friday when a shootout between security
forces and the militants left 12 Filippinos and two police officers
dead.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20130305-406360.html
