Philippine troops in battle with Islamist militants on Mindanao

The Philippine military on Thursday continued its operation to recapture parts of a southern city that were seized by an ISIS affiliate earlier this week. Approximately 100 troops backed by attack helicopters were said to be engaged in battle in Marawi City, located on the country's second-largest island of Mindanao. The country's president has declared martial law on the island. Thousands of residents of the city have fled and more than a dozen Christians were taken hostage. On Wednesday, ISIS claimed responsibility for the Maute attack.