52 killed in Philippines clashes

Clashes between troops and suspected al-Qaida linked militants have killed at least 52 people on volatile southern Jolo island, the Philippines military said today.

The death toll included 25 soldiers and 27 militants. The clashes began yesterday when suspected Abu Sayyaf extremists ambushed a truck carrying troops headed to get supplies, then fought a gun battle with soldiers in pursuit, Maj. Eugene Batara said.