Operation Darkhorse

Part of the Moro conflict

Date

January 27 – February 2, 2014

Location

Maguindanao and North Cotabato, Philippines

Result

Decisive Philippine government victory

Operations stopped in February 2, temporary stops in terrorist and government offensives.

Belligerents

Philippines

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters

Commanders and leaders

Units involved

Philippine Army
- Scout Rangers
6th Infantry Division
- 601st Infantry Brigade

Unknown

Casualties and losses

1 killed
20 wounded

52 killed
49 injured
101 captured

Civilians injured: 8

Operation Darkhorse Oplan Darkhorse
Part of the South Philippines insurgency
Location	Maguindanao and North Cotabato, Philippines
Target	Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
Executed by	Armed Forces of the Philippines Philippine National Police Moro Islamic Liberation Front (support)

Decisive Philippine government victory

Philippines

Operation Darkhorse (Filipino: Oplan Darkhorse) was an offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on January 27, 2014.

The fighting broke just as the normalization annex of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement was signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, claimed that the offensive was not related to the signing of the annex of the peace treaty and said that the government has been collaborating with the MILF to launch an offensive against the BIFF even before the signing of the annex. The government offensive was part of an effort to arrest various BIFF leaders including its leader, Umbra Kato for various crimes. The Philippine National Police has issued a warrant of arrest for various BIFF leaders. Hermoso described the offensive as a "law enforcement" effort by government forces.

The offensive is part of Joint Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, a joint effort by the Philippine government and the MILF to eliminate lawless elements from MILF communities.

Philippine military launched an artillery attack on BIFF targets with 105-mm howitzers. The military also conducted airstrikes. At least 20 BIFF members were killed according to the government. BIFF spokesperson, Abu Misry Mama denied that there were casualties on their side.

BIFF spokesman, Abu Misry Mama said that the BIFF is open for negotiations with the government. He said that the BIFF is disappointed with the treatment of the government of their group. He said that the government keeps sending heavily-armed forces to their communities on which he said forces the BIFF to retaliate. The BIFF wants a "straight to the point" and "direct" peace negotiation compared to the negotiations between the Philippine Government and the MILF, according to the spokesman. Mama added that the BIFF longs for an independent state where everyone is equal. Col Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division, turned down the BIFF's request for negotiations and said that the BIFF must first face criminal charges against them.

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Wikipedia