SEREMBAN: Another Malaysian militant has been confirmed killed in clashes with the Philippines armed forces in Marawi City, bringing the total death tally to three.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Philippine security forces have identified the two militants killed earlier and is in process of identifying the third Malaysian militant.
“Yes I confirm that three Malaysian militants have been killed and details of the third Malaysian militant will be obtained soon from the Philippines government,” Zahid said, after breaking fast with some 1,000 residents here today.
The three Malaysians were among 13 militants killed in clashes in southern Philippines over the past 10 days.
Meanwhile, Zahid said all forms of terrorism committed around the world are not committed due to religious reasons but as a form of escapism.
Zahid said in a study conducted, 87 per cent of terrorists who carry out the acts of terror do not even have any formal training, education or a strong religious background.
“Most of these terrorists want a short cut to go to heaven to escape whatever problems they have such as financial or family problems.
“They come in groups or sometimes as lone wolves such as those in Manchester and Paris, and learn how to make bombs from the Internet and plough through crowds with trucks. That is not the Islamic way,” said Zahid, who is also the Home Minister.