The
Philippine Army (PA) revealed some details of the recent encounter in Sulu against
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that killed 11 Soldiers and wounded 14 more. The ASG reportedly held the high ground in a Cattle Ranch, and there was no cover around for the Troops who were trying to assault the enemy position.
The fact that the ASG occupied the high ground with clear fields of fire around them and no cover for the PA Troops shows that they know their stuff also since this is actually a basic military tactic.
However, being in a high ground with little or no cover on their own also would’ve made the ASG vulnerable to Air Strikes or Artillery. I assume those weren’t available then that is why the PA suffered heavy casualties during their assault.
Multiple Grenade Launchers and/or Light 60 mm Mortars might have helped in this case. Or maybe Light Armed Drones similar to the Predator issued to PA Units in enough quantities so they will be available when the Troops need them would’ve definitely helped.
The thing is that unless the PA does something to negate advantages like these, then the ASG will just keep using them when they can, forcing the PA to either suffer more Casualties or break Contact and allow the ASG to get away.
The ASG will now keep incorporating advantages in Terrain into their planning as much as possible until the PA finds an effective counter it.
But at any rate, let us salute the bravery of all those Soldiers who were killed and wounded. It is not easy to go out and launch an assault on an enemy they know had a big advantage.
It takes a lot of balls to attack an enemy on an open, high ground. The Soldiers definitely knew that their chances of getting killed or wounded was high in such a situation, but they still did it anyway since that was their job, and that was what the country expected of them.
Again, let us give a big salute to our brave Soldiers.
SOURCE: Abu Gunmen held High Ground in Sulu Clash that left 11 Soldiers dead - Military
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