The death toll in the government assault against the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that began Sunday in Indanan town, Sulu province has now reached 42, the military said on Tuesday.

Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief, Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino said 15 more rebels were killed in a pursuit operation following Monday’s ambuscade by the ASG against the Marine Batallion Landing Team 4 (MBLT 4), which resulted in the death eight Marines, including one officer, and the wounding of nine other soldiers.

On Sunday, Dolorfino claimed 19 Abu Sayyaf men were killed in a clash between some 220 bandits and government forces who tried to serve the arrest warrants against three wanted ASG leaders – Dr. Abu, albader Parad, and Isnilon Hapilon who were reportedly sighted in the area.

Last Sunday, five soldiers were also wounded in the clash. It also led to the capture of the ASG’s stronghold at Sitio Talibang, barangay Buansa, Indanan, Sulu.

But on Monday, the bandits staged a retaliatory attack when they ambushed the elements of the MBLT4 as they were returning to their base from a flag-raising ceremony at the former ASG camp.

A convoy of the MBLT4 composed of six M-35 (6x6) military trucks were passing through Sitio Talatac, barangay Bato-Bato also in Indanan town when they were waylaid by members of the bandit group. The military said a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) hit one of the military trucks, which immediately burst into flames.

MBLT4 chief, Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, said his men still managed to fire back at the suspects, who were prevented from getting near the troops and taking any of their government forces’ firearms.