Sunday, 30 April 2017 | MYT 1:43 PM
Malaysian Government confirms Abu Sayyaf leader Al Habsi killed in gun battle
KLUANG: The Malaysian Government has confirmed that one of the country's most wanted terrorists, Abu Sayyaf leader Al Habsi Misaya (pic), was killed in a gun battle with the Philippine security forces.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein confirmed his death, saying that it was a result of the close trilateral ties between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
He said this after attending a programme for trainee nurses at Taman Sri Lambak here on Sunday.
Al Habsi, who is wanted for numerous high-profile kidnappings in Sabah's east coast, was killed in the Indanan area of Jolo.
It was reported that the gun battle took place around 9.35pm on Friday when Philippine security forces were tracking down Abu Sayyaf gunmen on the island.
Al Habsi was among the four top Abu Sayyaf commanders able to order major kidnappings on the Sabah and southern Philippines sea border.
On a separate issue, Hishammuddin said he would be welcoming Bahrain King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa at the Bunga Raya Complex, Sepang, on Sunday night for his first visit to the country.
The Bahrain Ruler would be accompanied by his two sons Sheikh Abdullah Hamad Isa Al Khalifa and Sheikh Nasser Hamad Isa Al Khalifa as well as other state delegates.
"The King will be in Malaysia for a historical four-day visit.
"Part of his royal agenda includes a courtesy visit to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, and the government's highest officials," added Hishammuddin.
He said the visit would boost the cooperation of both countries in the defence, economy, industrial, religion, education and tourism aspects.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/30/malaysian-government-confirms-abu-sayyaf-leader-al-habsi-killed-in-gun-battle/#ww6vZF2vzdVpMoQY.99
