Siege of Marawi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Marawi
Part of the Moro conflict and the War against the Islamic State
A building in Marawi is set ablaze by airstrikes carried out by the Philippine Air Force and the Naval Air Wing of the Philippine Navy
Date May 23 – October 23, 2017 (5 months) Location Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Philippines 8°00′N 124°17′E / 8.00°N 124.29°E / 8.00; 124.29 Result Philippine government victory Failure of the militants to establish a provincial ISIL territory (wilayat) Martial law declared in Mindanao until December 2019 Isnilon Hapilon, Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIL Emir in Southeast Asia killed by the Philippine Army All seven Maute brothers killed by the Philippine Army End of Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines Continued ISIL insurgency in the Philippines Territorial changes Marawi recaptured by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on October 23, 2017

The Siege of Marawi, also known as the Marawi Crisis or the Battle of Marawi, was a five-month-long battle in Marawi, Philippines. It started on May 23, 2017. During this time, the Philippine government's security forces fought against a group of militants. These militants were linked to the Islamic State (IS) and included the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups. This battle became the longest city battle in the modern history of the Philippines.

What Caused the Marawi Battle?

The fighting began when the Philippine government tried to capture Isnilon Hapilon. He was a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, which was linked to the Islamic State. Reports said Hapilon was in Marawi, possibly to meet with the Maute group.

A fierce gunfight started when Hapilon's fighters shot at the combined army and police teams. Hapilon's group then called for help from the Maute group. The Maute group had promised loyalty to the Islamic State. Military officials believed the Maute group was responsible for a bombing in Davao City in 2016.

Militants Take Over Parts of the City

The Maute group militants attacked Camp Ranao, a military camp. They also took over several buildings in Marawi City. These included the Marawi City Hall, Mindanao State University, a hospital, and the city jail.

They also took control of the main street. The militants set fire to important buildings like Saint Mary's Cathedral, Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College. Dansalan College was run by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). The militants also took a priest and several churchgoers as hostages.

Who Were the Fighters?

The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated that some of the terrorists were foreigners. These foreigners had been in the country for a long time. They were helping the Maute group in Marawi.

The main goal of these groups was to raise an ISIL flag at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol. They wanted to declare a wilayat, which means a provincial IS territory, in Lanao del Sur.

How Did the Battle End?

On October 17, 2017, two militant leaders, Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, were killed. The day after their deaths, President Duterte announced that Marawi was "liberated from terrorist influence".

Then, on October 23, 2017, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana officially announced the end of the five-month battle. The government forces had won against the terrorists in Marawi.

Images for kids

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  The "Peace Corridor" was set up by the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It helped with aid for Marawi residents.

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  Naval Forces Western Mindanao sent two Navy ships to Marawi City on May 30, 2017. They carried soldiers to help fight the Maute group.

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  BRP Tarlac in Iligan unloading military vehicles and supplies. These were for government forces fighting in Marawi.

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  A group of Filipino soldiers moving during the Battle of Marawi.

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  Government officials looking at weapons taken from ASG-Maute militants.

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  An attack helicopter from the Philippine Air Force carrying out airstrikes.

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  A memorial for soldiers who died during the conflict.

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  Lanao del Sur government officials visiting "Ground Zero" in Marawi after the conflict ended.

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  Map showing the destruction in the main battle area after the five-month battle.

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  President Duterte talking to the 4th Infantry Division about the crisis.

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  Lanao sultans writing an open letter to President Duterte. They asked for a quick end to the Battle of Marawi.

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  Philippine National Police advisory for the public about sharing information on the Marawi crisis.

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  Australia sent AP-3C Orion planes to the southern Philippines for surveillance. They flew over Marawi starting June 30 with Filipino crew.

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  Humanitarian supplies from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) being delivered by plane.

See also

• Battle of Jolo (1974)
• 1995 Ipil massacre
• Battle of Mukalla (2016)
• 2013 Zamboanga siege
• 2016 Butig clash
• Battle of Sirte (2016)
• Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)
• Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)
• Battle of Raqqa (2017)
• 2017 Mayadin offensive
• Battle of Baghuz Fawqani
• Moro conflict
• War on Terror