By Xinhua
Manila : More than 50 people have died in the ongoing military operation by Filipino troops against Muslim rebels in Sulu, southern Philippines, according to local radio reports Friday.
At least 25 soldiers and 27 rebels have been killed since Thursday, local radio channel dzBB reported.
According to the military, nine soldiers were killed in a clash with rebels Thursday in Maimbung, Sulu, when they were out to buy food.
The attackers were a mixed group of fighters of Abu Sayyaf and Moro National Liberation Front (MILF).
The latest escalation of fighting in Sulu followed an attack on soldiers one month ago in neighbouring Basilan province in which 14 soldiers were killed by Muslim rebels.
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