Black smoke comes from burning building in commercial area of Osmena street in Marawi
Black smoke comes from burning building in commercial area of Osmena street in MarawiREUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

Armed U.S. troops are on the ground near the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines, but are not involved in fighting Islamist militants who have held parts of the city for more than three weeks, reported The Japan Times, quoting a Philippines military spokesman.

“There are some U.S. personnel who are operating equipment to provide information on situation awareness to our troops,” Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told a news conference.

“I do not know the exact number and the specific mission. They are allowed to carry rifles for self-defense. But they are not allowed to fight, they only provide support,” he said.

"Armoured" personnel carrier drives along road in Marawi city
"Armoured" personnel carrier drives along road in Marawi cityצילום: Reuters

The Philippines military has previously said the United States was providing technical assistance to end the occupation of parts of Marawi City by fighters allied to ISIS, but that it had no boots on the ground.

It was not clear how close to the battle zone the U.S. troops were. They were from a contingent of Special Forces that the Philippines military has previously said were based in the southern city of Zamboanga.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila did not respond immediately to a Japan Times request for comment.

Philippine Airforce helicopter releases rocket as government troops continue assault
Philippine Airforce helicopter releases rocket as government troops continue assaultצילום: Reuters

A U.S. official in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States was providing a P-3 surveillance plane as well as intelligence gathering from a drone. That drone, however, crashed on Saturday after it lost communication with its operator, the official said.

Today (Wednesday), Philippine government forces bombarded rebel positions in Marawi with tank fire as plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the battered city. Some sniper shots could be heard.

It was the 23rd day of fighting in the city, and there was no sign that it would end anytime soon.

“There will be no more deadlines,” said Padilla, referring to a promise by the military to clear the city by June 12, the country’s independence day. “It may take some time.”

In Washington, a security official who is familiar with the region said the battle in Marawi appeared to be locked in a stalemate.

“At the very least, it is not at all clear that government forces are presently winning or even gaining significant ground,” the official told JT, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Islamic State demonstrated significant determination and success in capturing and holding Mosul in Iraq and their effort in Marawi is of a similar notable quality.”

The Philippine military has said 290 people have been killed so far, including 206 militants, 58 soldiers and 26 civilians.

About 100 militants are in the besieged area, the military has said. There are also an estimated 300-600 civilians trapped or being held hostage in the city.

Abandoned hospital window seen full of bullet holes, as government soldiers continue assault
Abandoned hospital window seen full of bullet holes, as government soldiers continue assaultצילום: Reuters

The Philippines has been fighting twin insurgencies from Maoist-led rebels and Muslim separatists in the south for nearly 50 years. Critics say military action is not enough to bring peace to a region that has long suffered from political neglect and poverty.

The seizure of Marawi has alarmed Southeast Asian nations which fear Islamic State is trying to set up a stronghold on Mindanao that could threaten their region.

ISIS news agency Amaq said its fighters controlled two-thirds of the city.

Responding to the report, Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, head of military command in Western Mindanao, told Reuters the militants controlled 20 percent of the town.

“The truth is probably somewhere in between,” said the U.S. security official.