Military officials in the Philippines say at least 23 soldiers have been killed after government forces launched what they called a "decisive" operation against the Abu Sayyaf in the south of the country.
According to the military, at least 20 Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed in the fierce clashes on Basilan island on Wednesday.
Security sources have also told Al Jazeera that fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front were drawn into the latest clashes.
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