LAHAD DATU, March 9 – Security forces have advanced into new areas as they close in on militants hiding in Kampung Tanduo and Kampung Tanjung Batu.

Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Chief, Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the focus of security forces is to mop up the areas on a big scale.

"We believe that remnants of the militant group are in both areas (Kampung Tanduo and Tanjung Batu)," he told a joint press conference with Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar in Felda Sahabat 16, the Op
Daulat command centre today.

Felda Sahabat 16 is located about 20km from Kampung Tanduo, a fortress for the southern Filipino militants since the intrusion on February 12.

Security forces had shot dead 53 militants and eight police officers were killed in gun battles.

A total of 106 people suspected of having links with the militants had also been arrested.

On Tuesday, security forces launched air strikes using F/A 18 Hornet and Hawk fighter jets to end the crisis following the intrusion by militants claiming to be soldiers from the so-called Sulu sultanate. – BERNAMA