Philippines’ Abu Sayyaf Terrorists Turn to Suicide Bombing

New militant leader becomes region’s most-wanted extremist

By: Michael Hart

In the mid-afternoon of 17 April, Philippine soldiers on the trail of the Islamic State’s chief in Southeast Asia in the dense forests of northern Jolo were ambushed by more than 40 heavily-armed Abu Sayyaf bandits hiding out on higher ground. In a disadvantaged position, 11 troops perished during an hour-long gun battle.

The jihadists i…