Australia Expands Security Assistance to Philippines to Combat Islamic Terrorists

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne speaks during a news conference with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, Britain Sept. 9, 2016. REUTERS/Nick Ansell/Pool

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines–Australia on Tuesday announced the expansion of its security support to the Philippines, which will involve training in urban counter-terrorism, to fight the rise and spread of Islamic terrorism in the region.

The announcement follows the end of the 154-day battle for Marawi city which stunned the Philippine’s military inexperienced in urban combat, and fueled concerns ISIS loyalists wanted to use the southern island of Mindanao as a base for Southeast Asia ISIS activity.