US provides drones to help Philippines fight pro-IS militants
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said equipment also includes a few Cessna aircraft
The United States has been providing the Philippines with surveillance capabilities, training, information and aircraft to help it fight a months-long siege of a southern city by pro-Islamic State group militants, the top US diplomat said Monday as he prepared to meet the country’s polarising president.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in Manila for a regional gathering, said the equipment includes a few Cessna aircraft and a few drones. He said they’ll help the Philippines battle “an enemy that fights in a way that most people have never had to deal with.”
“We think they are beginning to get that situation under control,” Tillerson said.
“But the real challenge is going to come with once they have the fighting brought to an end how to deal with the conditions on the ground to ensure it does not re-emerge.”
Human rights groups have questioned US President Donald Trump’s willingness to engage with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been roundly criticised for a bloody war on illegal drugs that has killed thousands of suspects.