A year after: Lahad Datu intrusion revisited
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Self-styled Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III claims Sabah to be rightfully his
Jamalul's younger brother, 'Raja Muda' Azzimudie Kiram leads the attack in Sabah while the 'Sultan' maintains command from the Philippines.
Feb 9, 2013: About 200 Sulu intruders and gunmen in boats begin landing in Kampung Tanduo at Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu in Sabah. The sleepy village is only a short distance from the Filipino island of Tawi-tawi and villagers have close ties with those from across the Celebes sea.
The peace in Kg Tanduo is broken as Sulu intruders slowly slip into the coastal village
The river mouth in Kg Tanduo where gunmen first landed
Sulu boats as they were in March 2013
What is left of Sulu boats today
A year later, the remnants of intruders' boats still remain along the river bank
The Sulu group who entered Lahad Datu via boats
A surau in Kg. Tanduo where gunmen set base.
Sulu gunmen sheltering under a makeshift tent
Feb 12 & 13, 2013: Malaysian security forces are dispatched to Felda Sahabat and throw a security ring around the village. Negotiations start with the Sulu group.
Nation
PETALING JAYA: A group of armed foreigners who landed in Lahad Datu, Sabah on Tuesday has been surrounded by Malaysian security forces. I...
Felda Sahabat receives security personnel who are tasked to deal with Sulu intruders
General Operations Force patroling the security line
Rain or shine, roadblocks are manned 24/7.
Military vehicles parked near Lahad Datu airport following the Sulu occupation of Kg Tanduo.
Access to Kg Tanduo by land requires a drive through acres of plantations in Felda Sahabat.
Special police officers stand guard in Felda Sahabat
A soldier stand guards at a temporary military base near the Lahad Datu town.
Two Muslim General Operation Forces (GOF) personnel performing prayers in their base in Kg Tanduo.
Apart from ground forces, coastal defence in Lahad Datu is also beefed up.
A Malaysian maritime boat patrolling the coast of Lahad Datu near Tanjung Labian.
Keeping guard of the seas
A maritime boat on its rounds
Throughout February, negotiations with the Sulu group continue without any settlement.
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PAPAR: Malaysian police are in the midst of negotiating with the group of armed Filipino men holed up in Lahad Datu to get them to leave ...
General Operations Force guards close a gate at the entrance of a police base in Felda Sahabat, where a meeting is held between Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib and two representatives from the Sulu royal army.
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KOTA KINABALU: Members of the armed group from the Philippines that landed in Lahad Datu have declared themselves to be followers of "a d...
Feb 17: Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib speaks to the members of the media after a meeting with two reprensentative from Sulu sultanate royal army at General Operations Force base in Felda Sahabat
Then Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein holds a press conference in Felda Sahabat.
Military forces reinforce its men and supplies on the ground.
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KUALA LUMPUR: The security forces hauled up a group of armed foreigners clad in military fatigues for encroaching into Lahad Datu waters ...
With fear mounting, villagers flee in stages to neighbouring Tanjung Labian where they built temporary homes or stay with family members.
Nation
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian security forces have surrounded a group of armed foreign fighters believed to have entered the east coast of Sab...
Tanduo villagers fled to nearby Tanjung Labian
Bajau Laut tribes were also blocked from entering the sea to fish for security reasons
Bajau Laut tribes anchored their boats at Sungai bilis after they were blocked from entering the sea
Fishing boats left idle at a jetty in Lahad Datu.
Raja Muda Azzumuddie (right) with an accomplice during an interview session in Lahad Datu.
March 1: After a three week-long standoff, a shootout takes place in Kg Tanduo, Felda Sahabat. Two VAT 69 Commandos and 12 Sulu gunmen are killed in the fight.
Two ambulances on standby outside the palm oil plantation at Felda Sahabat where clashes between Malaysian security forces and Sulu gunmen is occurring.
Police officers bring the bodies of fallen VAT 69 officers ASP Zulkifli Mamat and Sgt Sabaruddin Daud away from kg Tanduo to a nearby hospital.
Military personnel heading to Kg Tanduo to face Sulu intruders holding out in the village.
Beds are prepared in Lahad Datu hospital, waiting for injured security personnel
Police Special Forces stand guard at the Lahad Datu Hospital where two injured police commandos are admitted after the clash between Malaysian police forces and Sulu gunmen in Tanduo village.
Security is tight in Lahad Datu hospital where policemen injured during the Kg Tanduo shootout are warded.
Injured Corp.Azman Ampong recuperating in hospital.
Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Musa Aman visits Corp. Mohd Tarmizi Hashim who was injured during the shootout in Kg. Tanduo.
March 2, 2013: Sulu spokesman Abraham Idjirani with Jacel (L), daughter of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, giving a press conference in the Philippines. Idjirani said the Sulu group in Sabah are defiant and ready to face death.
Malaysia lost two brave men in the battle in Kg. Tanduo; ASP Zulkifli and Sgt Sabaruddin. Both heroes received posthumous promotions for their services to the nation.
VAT 69 officer ASP Zulkifli Mamat, 29, from Terengganu was killed in the attack.
VAT 69 commando Sgt Sabaruddin Daud, 47, from Selangor was fatally shot by Sulu gunmen.
March 2, 2013: Wife of ASP Zulkifli Mamat collapses as her husband's body arrives in TUDM air base.
Bodies of ASP Zulkifli Mamat amd Sgt Sabaruddin Daud arrive at TUDM Subang.
A large crowd arrives in TUDM to give their last respects.
The body of Sgt. Sabaruddin Daud arrives in Sg Besar.
Wife Nurunnisa Abu Bakar, 41, (in white) sheds tears after the burial of Sgt. Sabaruddin Daud.
Feb 2014: Today, trees in the spot where both VAT69 commandos were shot are left untouched and a flag is raised in honour of ASP Zulkifli and KPPL Sabaruddin.
February 2014: A year later, Noor Aziah shares her struggles in coping with life after the loss of her husband, ASP Zulkifli Mamat.
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Nation
Despite having lost her husband ASP Zulkifli Mamat to Sulu gunmen in Lahad Datu last year, Noor Aziah has been courageously continuing on...
March 1, 2013: 120km away, townspeople are moving out to safer places, leaving Lahad Datu deserted.
Shops in Lahad Datu town are closed following the clash between Malaysian police forces and Sulu gunmen in Kg Tanduo.
Lahad Datu becomes a ghost town with no one in sight.
A shopkeeper closes her store after the battle in Kg Tanduo.
Rows of shops closed in Lahad Datu town.
March 2: After receiving a tip-off that Sulu gunmen may be hiding in Kg. Simunul, Semporna, police officers went to the water village. Six policemen were killed in an ambush. Six Sulu gunmen also died in the battle.
The blue-roofed mosque of Simunul is seen in the centre of the water village.
Villagers peek out duriong a clash between Malaysian soldiers and intruders at Kg. Simunul in Semporna
Villagers looking at the body of a Sulu gunman who was shot dead during a shoot-out at Kg. Simunul in Semporna.
Another body of a Sulu gunman lies in Kg. Simunul.
The body of another Sulu gunman is found inside a boat in Kg. Simunul.
Kg. Simunul villagers carrying their belongings as they leave the village.
Commandos making their way to the previous night's battle ground.
The following day, more officers are sent for a rescue mission.
Security forces entering Kg. Simunul to rescue police officers hurt and trapped in the water village.
Rescue missions are underway in Kg. Simunul.
In the shootout at 7.30pm, March 3 2013, Malaysia lost six valiant policemen. ACP Ibrahim Lebar, 52, DSP Micheal Padel, 36, Sjn Mejer Baharin bin Hamit, 49, Sgt Salam bin Togiran, 42; Sjn Mejer Abd Aziz bin Sarikun, 52 and Kpl Mohd Azrul Tukiran will be remembered as Malaysian heroes defending the country.
The six police officers killed in the shootout. From top left - ACP Ibrahim Lebar, 52, DSP Micheal Padel, 36, Sjn Mejer Baharin bin Hamit, 49. From bottom left: Sgt Salam bin Togiran, 42; Sjn Mejer Abd Aziz bin Sarikun, 52 and Kpl Mohd Azrul Tukiran.
Rosiah Dahlan sitting next to her husband's grave, the late Supt Ibrahim Lebar at USJ 21 cemetery, Subang Jaya yesterday.
Mourners performing the last rites of Supt Ibrahim Lebar at Masjid Al-Falah USJ 9, Subang Jaya.
DSP Michael Padel with his family during his wedding anniversary and renewal of vows months before he passed away.
The burial service of DSP Michael Padel was held at Heroes’ Grave in Kuching.
In February 2014, Jabah Mingku, wife of DSP Michael opens up about the challenges she faces after the death of her husband.
Nation
When her husband's team was deployed to respond to information that Sulu gunmen were hiding in Kampung Simunul, Semporna, Jabah Mingku Vo...
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The family of Sjn Mjr Baharin Hamit looks back at the life they shared with the national hero.
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For 12-year-old Nur Izzaty Syafiqah, her father's clothing has a calming effect whenever she feels depressed. The Year Six student of SRK...
Sumiati Suarah, wife of Sjn Mejar Baharin, Nur Izzaty Syafiqah and Mohd Izzat Syaffiq trying hard to overcome their grief.
Marlinah Utan, widow of Sjn Salam Togiran shares sweet memories of her late husband.
Nation
PETALING JAYA: On the day Sergeant Salam Togiran was deployed to in Kampung Simunul, Semporna against Sulu gunmen, his wife Marlinah Utan...
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Sjn Salam Togiran with his wife as they visit Mount Kinabalu.
The late Sjn Salam Togiran during happier days with his children.
The wife of Sjn Major Abd Aziz bin Sarikun could not stop tears from flowing as she recalls the memory of her late husband.
Nation
A year after Police Sergeant Azis Sarikon was gunned down in Semporna's Kg Simunul during the March 2 ambush by Sulu gunmen, his family h...
Police personnel and relatives carrying the casket of Sgt Abd. Azis Sarikon during a funeral at Semporna police headquaters.
Siti Bandorah Mahalil and her son Mohd. Farid Zulhelmy mourns during the funeral of her husband Sargent Abd. Azis Sarikon.
Kpl Mohd Azrul Tukiran was laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Kampung Rantau Panjang, Klang.
Sa'diah Md Amin, the mother of Kpl Mohd Azrul Tukiran, being consoled by relatives at their home in Kamping Rantau Panjang, Klang.
2014: Kampung Simunul is now a safer place, the houses used by Sulu intruders demolished and villagers more weary of unknown visitors.
One of the houses used as a base for Sulu gunmen is now inaccessable and separated from the main jetty. Other houses have been demolished.
Kg Simunul village chief Ramlie Saraman pointing to where the gunbattle took place. The house where the Sulu gunmen were hiding has been demolished. What remains are wooden planks, floatsam and debris.
Villagers sharing a chat outside their stilted home.
Children of Kg. Simunul smiling for the camera.
Life goes on as usual in Kg. Simunul.
One of the bridges that connect the village.
March 3: Self-styled Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III answers questions from reporters at his residence in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines.
Jamalul Kiram III told reporters that he was worried the violence in Sabah might spread because many Filipinos, especially followers of his sultanate in the southern Philippine, are upset by the killing of their compatriots in Lahad Datu.
March 4: Seven additional army battalions are deployed to Sabah. They are preparing for Ops Daulat, a large-scale operation to flush out Sulu intruders. Reports surface of some Sulu gunmen fleeing to nearby Tj. Labian.
Then Defence Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi and then Home Minister Datuk Hishammuddin arrive at Felda Sahabat for a briefing on the ongoing fight.
Malaysian soldiers on armoured vehicles drive towards Kg. Tanduo.
Malaysian army trucks making their way through Felda Sahabat.
March 5: Ops Daulat commences. A 12-hour offensive begins at 7am with an airstrike and artillery bombardments on Kg. Tanduo. Soldiers move in.
Armored personnel carriers roll in to Kampung Tanduo
Army personnel storm Kg. Tanduo by air before following through with ground attacks.
Royal Malaysian Air Force Nuris preparing for an aerial assault.
March 5: Former Filipino Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari warned that any harm to Filipino civilians in Sabah as a result of the Lahad Datu conflict would be a declaration of war against his group.
Uniform of the Royal Sulu Army.
March 5: More locals leave as Ops Daulat begins.
Trucks are packed with villagers leaving danger zones.
Villagers resting at a hall serving as an evacuation centre.
Efa Shamira Pihrin, 10, of Tanjung Labian dry disposible diapers at the Embara Budi evacuation centre.
Children playing at the Embara Budi evacuation centre, Lahad Datu.
Residents queue up for a medical checkup at an evacuation centre.
Displaced children attending a class at a makeshift school
Police stand beside residents at an evacuation centre.
Residents stock up on necessities in Lahad Datu and Semporna.
Cars flock petrol stations in Lahad Datu
Banks are also crowded in Semporna.
March 6: As day two of Ops Daulat draws to a close, the number of Sulu casualties increase.
A member of the police forensic unit approaching a makeshift grave for three Sulu intruders killed in 'Op Daulat'.
The bodies of nine Sulu intruders were found by Malaysian security forces during a mopping up operation under 'Op Daulat' in Kampung Tanduo
The body of a terrorist who was shot dead during the mopping up operation in Kampung Tanduo.
Part of the arms cache recovered by the Malaysian security forces during 'Op Daulat'
Weapons seized from the Royal Sulu Army.
Following an aerial assault, ground forces comb the village for Sulu gunmen.
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Security forces at Kg. Tanduo in a sweeping and mopping operation to flush out the Sulu gunmen.
The offensive sees Malaysian forces entering the village.
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The operation continues in Kg. Tanduo.
March 9: Kg Tanduo receives heavy bombardment from Malaysian security forces.
Military personnel heading to ground zero.
A Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18 is spotted over Kg. Tanduo.
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2 DAYS AG
Malaysian troops firing mortars at Kg. Tanduo.
Artillery bombardment towards Kg. Tanduo.
Smoke rises after an air strike inside Kg. Tanduo.
Weapons used by Sulu gunmen recovered in Kg. Tanduo.
Villagers in nearby Kg. Tg. Labian flee as gunmen take over the neighbouring village.
Banners were put up by local villagers opposing Felda takeover of their kampung land in Tanjung Labian. The banners had been around months before the Tanduo standoff and the area is 3km away from Kg Tg Labian.
Tj. Labian villagers escaping the conflict.
The villagers of Tanjung Batu seeking shelter at Kampung Aru in Bangingot at Felda Sahabat
Two villagers of Kampung Labian bring their livestock out from the war zone at Felda Sahabat in Lahad Datu.
Homes in Kg. Labian are deserted as villagers escape to safety.
March 10: A injured VAT69 commando arrives in Perak for further treatment in Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB).
POH, 10 Mac -- Kg. Tanduo Injured VAT69 commando Kons. Konstabel Mohd Qayum'aiqal Zolkipli, 22, embraces his niece upon arriving home in Ipoh.
Security forces follow the last few of the Sulu group in nearby Kg. Tg. Batu in Tjg Labian.
Security forces guarding posts at the entrace towards Tanjung Labian where army trucks enter and go
Lahad Datu 11 Mac 2013- Bukit Aman forensics chief ASP Hussein Omar Khan (second from left) showing 16 bodies of Sulu intruders shot by security forces in Kampung Tj. Batu.
March 10: The body of General Musa, a top Sulu commander, is recovered from Kg. Tanjung Batu.
An identity card purportedly belonging to Haji Musa, a general in the Sulu army, that was found with corpses of Sulu gunmen recovered during Ops Daulat.
Items collected from the bodies of Sulu gunmen, including weapons and items of clothing.
Armoured personnel carriers (APC AVC-300 Adnan) clearing the Kampung Tanjung Batu area.
Malaysian forces remove bodies of Sulu intruders killed in Kg. Tj. Batu.
March 11 : Security forces have ended mopping up operations in Kg Tanduo. The village is fully secure.
Army officers heading to Felda Sahabat.
Civilian vehicles and military trucks share the road in the Felda plantations in Lahad Datu.
March 13: Then Defence Minister Hishamuddin Hussein visits injured security personnel at the Duchess Of Kent Hospital in Sandakan.
Hishamuddin visits Lahad Datu injured Corp Khairul.
Hishamuddin has a chat with Lans Corp Mohd Zariman.
March 25: Malaysian armed forces gain full control of Kg. Tg. Batu.
Armoured personnel carriers (APC AVC-300 Adnan) clearing the Kampung Tanjung Batu area.
Feb 2014: Kg. Tj. Batu now sees a lot more military presence.
February 2014: A year after the intrusion, Kg. Tanduo has been converted into a military base and the public is restricted access.
Plantations near the village are felled to allow for better security.
The entrance to Tanduo is guarded with military personnel.
February 2014: In an interview in Kg Tanduo, commanding officer Lt Col Mat Noh Ngadiman assured reporters that the village is now a safe area and an unlikely spot for future attacks.
Military tents are also raised around Kg. Tanduo.
Tents where soldiers rest are encircled by sandbags.
The remnants of Kg. Tanduo is now empty of villagers.
A military bunker looks out to sea.
Four wooden posts now mark the grave of nine Sulu gunmen who were killed during the intrusion in Kg Tanduo.
A white flag marks the location where negotiations took place between Sulu gunmen and Malaysian police.
A few houses in Tanduo are repaired and used by security forces.
The 'Royal Sulu Army' uniform.
Some of the Sulu gunmen were believed to have used amulets, promising 'invincibility'.
A calander recovered from Sulu gunmen. It lists 'good' dates and times to launch an attack.
Feb 2014: Homes that were completely destryoed in Tj. Labian are rebuilt and those which were damaged are now repaired.
The Sulu intrusion has brought many losses and pain but a year after the incident, Malaysians have overcome adversity as a nation and have shown great strength and perseverance in protecting their country's peace and sovereignty. May we continue to be united.
Malaysian flag planted at Kampung Tanduo after security forces declared the village where Sulu gunmen landed on Feb 12 as free of militants.
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