Philippine soldiers killed 15 militants and seriously wounded their leader, believed to be ISIL’ representative in the country, following air and artillery strikes in a southern province, a senior military official said on Sunday.

Isnilon Hapilon, also known as Abu Abdullah and a leader of the Philippine terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, might die as he needed immediate medical treatment, military chief General Eduardo Ano told reporters, citing intelligence and communications intercepts.

“He needs blood transfusion. Without proper medical treatment, he may die,” Ano said.

Philippine forces on Thursday dropped bombs and fired shells at terrrorist positions in the mountains of Lanao del Sur in a bid to flush out Hapilon. The province is a stronghold of the Maute militant group, which has also pledged allegiance to ISIL.

Source: AFP