Fight against Islamists in Marawi City, Philippines is over – defense minister

The Philippines military has ended the fight against militants loyal to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISISL) in the southern city of Marawi, the defense minister has declared. “There are no more militants in Marawi,” Delfin Lorenzana told reporters, after a five-month campaign. At least 42 bodies were found in the last two buildings occupied by the Islamists, according to Armed Forces Chief General Eduardo Ano. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte had already declared Marawi “liberated” from militants last week.