It is all over,IGP says no casualties on our side; enemy casualties unknown

Malaysian fighter jets took to the skies for aerial bombing for about ten minutes as the still of the morning was shattered by the tremendous explosion heard by journalists covering the stand-off from Sahabat Felda Residences, close to Tanduo. 

Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Tawau hospitals ready to accept casualties

BORNEO INSIDER TEAM

IGP says no casualties on our side; enemy casualties unknown

KAMPUNG TANDUO [FELDA SAHABAT]: The Sulu armed group was totally routed by Malaysian security forces’ overwhelming firepower unleashed since 7am Tuesday, police sources said.

According to a Star Online report, Malaysian security forces are at stage four of Ops Sulu as they secure the village which has been in the hands of about 100 armed followers of the self-styled ailing Sulu Sultan who had insisted that his brother, who led the group, to stay inTanduo till the end despite extended deadlines given to them to give up and go home without bloodshed.

Negotiations to resolve the standoff failed peacefully failed and on Tuesday morning, fighter jets to the air and pounded the village, followed by elite police teams who went in to finish the job.

The IGP told reporters at 11.30am that there were no casualty among the Malaysian side but the casualty numbers for the gunmen is still unknown.

The situation in all parts of east coast Sabah was described as under control by the police and the army who are on high alert at strategic location as there have been threats of retaliation from the Sulu Sultan’s followers that there would be retaliation if the Sulu intruders are defeated.

11.54am: Police chief Ismail Omar says in a press statement that the joint operation between the police and military is still facing resistance.

The enemies have fired several shots at the Malaysian security forces, he said.

Currently the joint forces are conducting ‘mopping up’ operation. No casualties on Malaysian side have been recorded, while casualties of the enemies are unknown.

Ismail calls on all quarters not to speculate on any casualties as inaccurate news may affect the operation, which is officially called Ops Sulu.

“The public do not need to be worried as this operation is conducted in Kampung Tanduo only. The public is advised not to enter the operation area and follow the instruction and advice from police who are on duty along the road to Kampung Tanduo.”

The situation in Bandar Cenderawasih, about 30km from the battleground, remains calm but troops have been stationed around the town to guard shops which are open for business.
Two military choppers have landed on the field of the local college.
An officer-in-charge informs the media that instructions have been issued for all media personnel to remain in the media centre at nearby Felda Sahabat.

More to come: -