The Marines Corps recently conducted joint urban warfare training with Philippine forces to support their battle against Islamic State-aligned militants, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
The U.S. Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine, 3rd Marine Division are training Philippine troops to improve urban warfare capabilities, such as clearing rooms and buildings, based on feedback from Philippine forces fighting in Marawi.
The training is taking place amid ongoing clashes between the Philippine military and Islamic State-aligned militants. The Maute group and Abu Sayyaf launched a siege on Marawi on May 23, sending residents fleeing and raising concerns of extremists gaining traction in the country. In response, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the southern portion of the country.
The relationship between the United States and the Philippines has strained significantly under Duterte. He has repeatedly launched insults at American leaders — Duterte infamously referred to former President Barack Obama as a "son of a whore" in response to the U.S. leader’s remarks over the escalating drug war in the Philippines.
Duterte also vowed to expel U.S. military trainers and advisers from the Philippines. Additionally, he sought to strengthen ties with China and Russia, further straining the relationship between Manila and Washington.
Just a day after the Washington announced U.S. forces were providing technical assistance at the request of the Philippine government, Duterte said at a press conferencehe "never approached America" for help.
Despite the souring relations between Manila and Washington, the U.S. continues to provide support in the fight against terrorism in the country.
Mackenzie Wolf is an editorial intern for Military Times.
