August 25 (UPI) – Two deadly explosions monday in southern Philippines killed 15 other people and wounded at least 75 others, according to local authorities.
The double attacks concerned two female suicide bombers affiliated with Abu Sayyaf militants, according to Philippine authorities. Abu Sayyaf is a well-known terrorist organization identified through the U.S. State Department and affiliated with the Islamic State. In the past, the organization had partnered with al-Qaeda, the army organization led by Osama bin Laden, who was killed through a U.S. special operations unit in 2011.
“We suspect that a female suicide bomber is the daughter of the suicide bomber who carried out the Jolo Cathedral bombing last year,” rommel Banlaoi of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Investigation said, according to the Inquirer.
Suicide bombings remain rare in the Philippines, with at least six suicide bombings in the country over the more than 3 years, Al Jazeera reported.
According to SITE, IS supporters “rejoiced at losses due to bombing.”
Civilians and police were affected by the bombings. At least 21 were injured, according to reports.
Abu Sayyaf for the independence of the southern island of Mindanao.