ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (25 April 2000) -- The six gunmen who abducted 21 tourists from Sipadan are members of Abu Sayyaf, an extremist Al Qaeda-linked Muslim rebel group fighting for an independent Islamic state in the Philippines. The rebels have freed two Malaysians because they are Muslims and are demanding $2.4 million for the release of the other hostages which include at least 10 foreigners. According to Philippine military sources, the hostages are being held in Sulu, a remote province in the southern Philippines where the Abu Sayyaf is based. The area is less than one hour away from Sipadan by high-speed boat. Meanwhile, the rebels are fighting Philippine government troops who are trying to free 27 other hostages kidnapped five weeks ago. The rebels have beheaded two of the adult hostages and are threatening to kill five more if government troops do not withdraw. | | Sipadan hostages The Abu Sayyaf has demanded the release of various Muslim terrorists including Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted of masterminding the bombing the World Trade Center in 1993. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
