U.S. Marines hold joint training with Philippine troops amid escalating tension

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U.S. Marines hold joint training with Philippine troops amid escalating tension
By: Mackenzie Wolf, June 30, 2017 (Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy Manila )
RE: https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/art...lating-tension

The Marines Corps recently conducted joint urban warfare training with Philippine forces to support their battle against Islamic State-aligned militants, per the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

The U.S. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine, 3rd Marine Division are training Philippine troops to improve urban warfare capabilities, such as clearing rooms and buildings, based on feedback from Philippine forces fighting in Marawi.

The training is taking place amid ongoing clashes between the Philippine military and Islamic State-aligned militants. The Maute group and Abu Sayyaf launched a siege on Marawi on May 23, sending residents fleeing and raising concerns of extremists gaining traction in the country. In response, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the southern portion of the country.

The relationship between the United States and the Philippines has strained significantly under Duterte. He has repeatedly launched insults as American leaders — Duterte infamously referred to former President Obama as a “son of a whore” in response to the U.S. leader’s remarks over the escalating drug war in the Philippines.

Duterte also vowed to expel U.S. military trainers and advisers from the Philippines. Additionally, he sought to strengthen ties with China and Russia to further strain the relationship between Manila and Washington.

Just a day after the Washington announced U.S. forces were providing technical assistance at the request of the Philippine government, Duterte said at a press conference he "never approached America" for help.

Despite the souring relations between Manila and Washington, the U.S. continues to provide support in the fight against terrorism in the country.