At least seven soldiers were killed and 13 injured Thursday in separate encounters with suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines, an official said.
An Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman said the fatalities included a military officer who was killed in action after his troops encountered Abu Sayyaf militants in Kagay village in Sulu province at 6.20 a.m., Xinhua reported.
The spokesman said another attack launched by the Abu Sayyaf in Kabuntakas village in Patikul town left six soldiers dead and 13 others injured.