Abu Sayyaf Target US Forces
By Zachary Abuza
A bomb exploded in a small karoke bar outside the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Camp in Jolo around 8:45 on Saturday night. One person was killed and 28 were wounded, though no Americans were reported to be among the casualties. Roughly 250 US forces are in Jolo, based at the camp, engaging in the Balikitan training exercises with 4500 AFP troops. Jolo is a bastion of Abu Sayyaf Activity and the scene of intense fighting in early to mid- 2005. A US Special Forces soldier was killed by an Abu Sayyaf bomb in nearby Zamboanga City in 2002.