ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 9 soldiers and Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed in fierce clashes on Friday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, security officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted after Abu Sayyaf terrorists ambushed a group of soldiers in the village of Taong in Patikul town. The attack sparked a gun battle that killed at least 6 terrorists and three soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion.