U.S. Embassy News Release
January 20, 2007

 

U.S. CONGRATULATES THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
ON THE ELMINATION OF ABU SAYYAF GROUP LEADER
KHADDAFY JANJALANI

 

The United States congratulates the Government of the Philippines on confirmation that the leader of the terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group, Khaddafy Janjalani, has been killed. Remains found on the island of Jolo in Sulu province in December 2006 have been proven by forensic and DNA tests conducted in the Philippines and the United States to be those of the terrorist leader. This is a major step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines and in the global war on terror.

Janjalani has been pursued by the Philippines and the United States for his involvement in several terrorist attacks, kidnappings and murders. The Abu Sayyaf Group is designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Group, and has been responsible for numerous terrorist bombings, murders and kidnappings, including the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping incident that resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.

A reward of up to $5 million has been offered by the U.S. Government for information leading to the capture or elimination of Khaddafy Janjalani. The U.S. will work with Philippine authorities to determine payment of this reward.

The death of Khaddafy Janjalani is an important and positive step forward in the ultimate goal of eliminating the ruthless and dangerous Abu Sayyaf Group, and in destroying its links with international terrorist groups such as the Jemaah Islamiya. The U.S. will continue to work with partners in the Philippines' military, law enforcement, and national and local governments to bring terrorists to justice and to build peace and prosperity in Mindanao and throughout the Philippines.

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