On August 24, Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and IS-linked militants mounted twin suicide attacks in Jolo, Sulu which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and the wounding of at least 75 others.

The twin bombing in Sulu indicates not only the ferociousness but also the resiliency and will of terrorist groups to take advantage of the pandemic to hit government and communities, recruit members and push their agenda forward. 

In September, the Philippines armed forces issued a statement saying government troops have killed 55 members of the ASG since January.

Just this month, seven suspected ASG members reportedly planning to conduct kidnapping activities in mainland Mindanao were intercepted at sea and killed by the military after an encounter.

Has the intensified military operation reduced the capability of the ASG to launch attacks, radicalize and recruit members? Are there new and emerging narratives and tactics or changes in the messaging or behavior of the ASG? 

Part of the learning series to strengthen capacities and programs of IAG partners under its Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) consortium project supported by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), this webinar takes a look at the Abu Sayyaf situation in Sulu.