Reuters: Thousands flee Philippine city after rebel rampage claimed by Islamic State
Thousands of civilians fled fighting in the Philippines on Wednesday as troops tried to fend off Islamist militants who took over large parts of a city, capturing Christians, seizing and torching buildings and setting free scores of prisoners.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the rampage via its Amaq news agency, and President Rodrigo Duterte defended his decision to declare martial law on Mindanao, the Muslim-majority island where Marawi City is located, to prevent the spread of extremism in the impoverished region.
The violence flared in Marawi on Tuesday afternoon after a botched raid by security forces on a hideout of the Maute, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
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More News On Martial Law Being Declared On The Philippine Island Of Mindanao
Islamic State-linked militants besiege Philippine city -- AP
Philippine Islamists beheaded local police chief, Duterte says -- AFP
At least 21 killed as Isis-linked militants rampage through Philippines city -- The Guardian/AP
Isis-linked militants behead police chief and take priest and churchgoers hostage in Philippines city -- The Independent
Duterte says he had to declare martial law to fight ISIS in Mindanao -- CNN
Duterte Declares Martial Law Over Chaos in Marawi, Philippines -- NBC
Philippine President Duterte eyes nationwide martial law -- BBC
Duterte Suggests Martial Law Across Philippines, Citing Islamist Threat -- New York Times
Philippines' Duterte mulls imposing martial law nationwide -- AFP
Duterte says he may widen martial law from Mindanao to include all of the Philippines -- Washington Post
