Fewer than 10 Sulu terrorists left, says Hamza

The security forces are now focusing on Tanjung Bilis and Lok Buani. — file picLAHAD DATU, March 29 — Day 25 Operation Daulat sees the number of Sulu terrorists drop from about 200 when they landed in Kampung Tanduo on February 12 to fewer than 10.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said this took into account the terrorists killed and arrested by security forces since the offensive was launched on March 5.

“I can’t say that there are no more terrorists. I believe they still exist but their number is small, probably fewer than 10,” he told a press conference at Operation Daulat headquarters in Felda Sahabat 16 today.

Security forces killed 68 terrorists while 121 people were detained under the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012 (Sosma) and 443 were detained for various offences.

The offensive followed by search and mopping up freed five villages that became the hideout and scene of clashes between security forces and the terrorists.

After cleaning-up Kampung Tanduo, Kampung Tanjung Batu and Kampung Tanjung Labian, security forces are now focusing on Tanjung Bilis and Lok Buani.

Residents of Kampung Tanjung Labian would be allowed to return after the family heads and village heads visited their houses with the assessment team tomorrow.

Hamza said 20-25 residents of Kampung Tanjung Batu whose houses were not seriously damaged would be allowed to return tomorrow while those whose houses were destroyed were allowed to continue staying at temporary evacuation centres.

As security measure, the security forces will continue to be stationed in the villages concerned to guard and exercise their dominance.

“In addition, we will also perform other policing services to restore the confidence of the people,” he added. — Bernama