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Article: Abu Sayyaf's new generation threatens Philippines
- Article from:
- AP Worldstream
- Article date:
- February 22, 2009
- Author:
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Not long ago, the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group was dismissed as all but dead, thanks to a much-heralded joint effort against terrorism by the U.S. and the Philippine military.
Now there is fear that the Abu Sayyaf may be coming back.
The group is blamed for a spate of kidnappings in recent months, including the latest _ that of a Sri Lankan peace worker on southern Basilan Island earlier this month. Abu Sayyaf raised more than 70 million pesos ($1.5 million) last year through ransoms, and its ranks rose to 400 members last year from 383 in 2007, a confidential government report noted. Also, new leaders are rising to take the place of those captured by U.S.-backed ...