Philippines: Govt Airstrike Kills 11 of Own Troops, Blames "Fog of War"

An airstrike launched by the Philippine government in Marawi City missed its target and killed at least 11 government troops, the armed forces announced Thursday.

The strike was targeting the allegedly Islamic-State-Group-affilliated Maute fighters, who the government has been battling for nine days. The strike was the first deployment of fixed-wing aircraft since the fighting began last week.

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Responding to reporters in a news conference, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana blamed the incident on the “fog of war,” saying that “accidents happen, like this.”

President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial law on the island last Tuesday, in a move that has sparked widespread backlash and denunciation among those who warn the declaration could lead to state abuses, impunity, and human rights violations.

Since the declaration last week, 120 Maute group fighters have been killed, at least 19 civilians, and 38 state security forces.

“Its very sad to be hitting our own troops, there must be a mistake somewhere, either someone directing from the ground, or the pilot,” Lorenzana added.

President Duterte gave a speech on Thursday, and although he didn't mention the soldier's deaths in the airstrike, he restated his belief that the rebel fighters are “purely” from the Islamic State group.