Military News, News From Iraq & Afghanistan - Military Times

American troops fired on in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines says American troops traveling in a Philippine army convoy came under fire earlier this week from suspected Muslim militants, but there were no casualties.

U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Thompson says the incident happened on Tuesday and that the U.S. military vehicle was part of the logistics mission.

Philippine police said a militant believed to be from the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group was killed in the clash on southern Jolo island. Police say six Abu Sayyaf militants ambushed the convoy in Indanan town.

Several dozens U.S. troops are stationed on Jolo to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians as well as counterterrorism support to Filipino forces battling the militants.