Maute Group
| Maute group | |
|---|---|
| Country | Philippines |
| Leader(s) |
Abdullah Maute Omar Maute (Deceased) |
| Foundation | 2013 |
| Dates of operation | 2013–present |
| Preceded by | Khilafah Islamiyah Movement |
| Active region(s) | Mindanao |
| Ideology | Islamic fundamentalism |
| Notable attacks |
February and November Butig clashes 2016 Davao City bombing |
| Size | unknown |
| Flag |  |
The Maute group which also goes by the name Islamic State in Lanao is a radical Islamist group composed of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and some foreign fighters led by Abdullah Maute, the alleged founder of a Dawlah Islamiya, or Islamic state based in Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. The group figured in a clash with Philippine Army troops in February 2016 that ended with the capture of their headquarters in Butig, Lanao del Sur. There are reports that Omar Maute, Abdullah's brother, was killed in that clash. There are also reports to the contrary, claiming that he escaped before the camp was overrun and is still alive. Since then the group, which a Philippine Army brigade commander characterized as terrorist, has been conducting a protection racket in the remote settlements of Butig.
The spiritual leader of Maute Group declared their Islamic principles in Marawi Center Mosque, located in the heart of Marawi City. The Mosque was built by Former Senator Domocao Alonto and the Pangarungan Family.
Philippine Army sources state that their initial encounter with the Maute group involved a firefight in 2013 when the insurgents attacked a security checkpoint the government troops were manning in Madalum, Lanao del Sur. The group is thought to have over 100 members and were supplied with equipment by a foreign terrorist. They are said to be affiliated with Jemaah Islamiya, a Southeast Asian Islamist terrorist group.
Although some reports indicate that the Maute group is regularly seen carrying black flags bearing the insignia of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Butig town mayor Ibrahim Macadato has stated that the group is not affiliated with ISIS, but are merely armed residents. However, training manuals and other documents for militants under the Islamic State were recovered from their captured camp, indicating that the group may be trying to link up with ISIS.
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Wikipedia