By Francis Wakefield Nine Abu Sayaff terrorist were killed while several others are believed to be critically wounded after combined air and ground assault from joint Task Force Basilan and the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing pound the nest of ASG Leader Furuji Indama in the hinterlands of Brgy Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday. Troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under JTF Basilan were able to close in with the group of Furuji Indama in the early hours of May 2. An immediate firefight ensued, giving the cue for the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Airforce to conduct precision strikes using F/A 50 fighter jets. Effective indirect fires from the 8th Field Artillery Battalion along with mortar fires covered the maneuvring troops. The military said combined airstrike and indirect fires overwhelmed the enemy's defensive nest, forcing the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to scamper for survival, leaving their comrades and other personal items behind. The body of an Abu Sayaff terrorist, according to the military, was recovered with traces of blood littered the area. Reports indicate that eight other terrorists perished from fatal wounds as result of the attack. Two high powered firearms, an m203 grenade launcher, medical supplies and other war materiel was recovered on site. "We were careful not to assualt the enemy's location before daylight. The Abus are known to emplace IEDS in their defensive positions. We do not want to fall into that trap," Lt. Col..Montano Almadovar, the commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, said. Several detonation cords and IED components were also recovered in the area. Information on the group's whereabouts came from former Abu Sayaff members who surrendered to JTF Basilan. Nearby communities were also instrumental in giving away the terrorists' information. "We have won several communities that use to support the Abu Sayaff bandits. The Abus are now confined in the hinterlands where they intimidate communities for support" said Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan. Currently, there are 139 ASG Returnees in Basilan Province, with more signifying their intent to return to the folds of the law. While the ASG may be few in number, this does not restrict them from conducting spoiling attacks in urban areas, Uy said. He said such attacks are designed to instill fear within the populace and make their faltering group resound. "The Abu Sayaffs are not safe in Basilan. We are giving the option to for them reconsider peace through surrender while the door is still open," Uy reiterated.