Battle for besieged Philippine city: Army launches counter on Islamic State strongholds in Marawi

[caption id="attachment_3770129" align="alignnone" width="940"] The militants aligned with the Islamic State group attacked Philippines city of Marawi on 23 May. The Philippine army has launched a major offensive against the militant forces who are confined in a small area but still putting up resistance to government forces who've retaken most of the city. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3770137" align="alignnone" width="940"] The violence has left at least 459 people dead including 39 civilians, 336 militants, and 84 soldiers and policemen. At least eight foreign fighters are believed to be among the dead. Counter-Terrorist forces were deployed to take back control of the city. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3769941" align="alignnone" width="940"] The Philippines army has resorted to targeted bombing on strategic points to eliminate the militants. Several explosions were seen throughout the battle. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3769945" align="alignnone" width="940"] Several buildings were raided and identified as Islamic State stronghold. The government said that the displaced residents will be allowed to go back to cleared areas of the city, with the government assisting in the rebuilding of their homes, and to other areas as soon as the fighting stops. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3769947" align="alignnone" width="940"] A member of the Philippine National Police closes a door after marking a house as clear while government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group in Marawi city. According to government sources some 1,500 homes still need to be cleared of explosives and soldiers are able to clear only 70 to 100 homes a day. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3769943" align="alignnone" width="940"] The rebuilding of the city's business district may also take more time and funds because it has been badly damaged by government airstrikes on the attackers' positions and the militant's torching of buildings and houses. This has lead to several thousand people being displaced from their homes in the city. Reuters[/caption]