US to help Philippines fight Muslim separatists

US military advisors are to provide training to Philippine soldiers fighting the Muslim Abu Sayyaf guerrilla movement in the south of their country.

The advisors will offer intelligence co-operation and supply equipment as well as training the 7,000 troops who are currently stationed in the Abu Sayyaf stronghold on Basilan Island.

Basilan Island is in the south-western Philippines

This latest development will do little to support America’s claims that its so-called "war on terrorism" is not a campaign against Islam.

In return for the training, the Philippines has agreed to allow the US to use its airspace during attacks on Afghanistan.