At least nine suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed after government forces attacked the lair of the terrorist group in the village of Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, the military said Friday.

Reports coming from the 4th Special Forces Battalion said that a firefight ensued between the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and the bandits led by Furuji Indama.

The 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force provided air support using F/A 50 jets, while the 8th Field Artillery Battalion supported ground troops with mortar fire.

The attacks resulted in the death of at least 9 Abu Sayyaf bandits, military said, although only one body count has been reported.

Two high-powered firearms, an M-203 grenade launcher, medical supplies, and bomb components were recovered in the area.

The commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, Brigadier General Juvy Max Uy, said members of the Abu Sayyaf who previously surrendered to the government helped them in tracking down the whereabouts of Indama’s group.

He said the movements of Indama's group has been limited to the forest areas of Sumisip.