TEMPO.CO, Manila - The Philippine government has increased military strength against Islamist Maute militants in its southern city of Marawi. They aim to end the conflict before the Eid festival.
On Tuesday, June 20, more aircraft and troops were launched to push back the ISIS-following militants. The military reinforcement was decided upon worry that more militants may arrive in the city after Eid, as told by Marawi Muslims.
Read: Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia to Discuss Marawi Crisis
"We aim to clear Marawi by the end of Ramadan," military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padila told Al Jazeera on June 20.
The Tuesday attack ended quickly with the Philippine military successfully pushed back the Maute militants who have been hiding near the Marawi lake.
The battle in Marawi City has entered the fifth week, with nearly 350 people killed, according to an official count. Fleeing residents said they have seen scores of bodies among the debris of homes destroyed in bombing and crossfire.
REUTERS | AL JAZEERA | YON DEMA
