End of the Marawi Siege Declared
October 23rd, 2017
October 23rd, 2017
How Long Ago?
7 years, 4 months, 19 days ago
Location
Marawi, Philippines
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
War against the Islamic State
People
- Delfin Lorenzana
Links & References
Tags
End of the Marawi Siege Declared
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the end of the Siege of Marawi, signaling a significant victory against ISIS-affiliated militants. The siege, which began five months earlier, saw intense clashes in the city of Marawi, leaving destruction and casualties in its wake. This declaration aimed to restore normalcy and security in the region, highlighting the Philippines' commitment to combat extremism and restore peace.
Siege lasted for five months.
Significant civilian displacement occurred.
Philippine military restored order.
International concern about terrorism increased.
What Happened?
The Siege of Marawi was a critical conflict that began on May 23, 2017, when members of the Maute group, which had pledged allegiance to ISIS, invaded the city of Marawi on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. The siege triggered an intense military confrontation between Philippine government forces and the militants, leading to widespread destruction in the city and significant casualties. By the time Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the siege's end, government forces had fought hard for five months to reclaim control. The conflict had drawn both local and international attention, not just due to the involvement of ISIS-linked groups, but also because of the humanitarian crisis it generated, resulting in thousands of displaced residents and extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. The government’s decisive action was aimed at swiftly restoring order and initiating recovery efforts for the affected communities.
Why Does it Matter?
The declaration by Secretary Lorenzana marked a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ fight against terrorism, showcasing the military's capability to confront and neutralize extremist threats within its territory. This event also underscored the broader implications of global terrorism trends in the region, and the ongoing challenge that extremist ideologies pose to national security.
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