Australian journalist Adam Harvey, who was hit by an alleged sniper bullet while covering clashes in Marawi City, is recovering from a "successful operation," the Australian Broadcasting Company said Friday.

"Harvey's surgeon said he was lucky and was expected to recover well. Recovery is likely to take a few days," ABC said in a statement.

Harvey revealed on Twitter that the bullet "stopped 1cm from the carotid artery" and that it would've been a "home run" if it hit.

What a legend - Dr Emmanuel Ibay - spent an hour teasing bullet from my neck. It stopped 1cm from the carotid artery. 'Home run' if it hit. pic.twitter.com/EJfpo16TVm

— Adam Harvey (@adharves) June 16, 2017

The Australian journalist also praised his Filipino surgeon who extracted the bullet from his neck.

"What a legend - Dr Emmanuel Ibay - spent an hour teasing bullet from my neck," Harvey said in a tweet.

A colleague said Harvey sustained the injury while photographing children playing in the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol compound on Thursday.

Harvey removed his bullet-proof vest so he could squat and take better photos.

ABC assured it will provide support not just to Harvey but also to the team members who covered the Marawi clashes with him.

"Producer Geoff Thompson and camera operator Phil Hemingway, who were also in Manila with Adam, are now catching up on some sleep. Their fixer, Boy Siojo, has also been a terrific help throughout," ABC said.

Harvey is the first journalist hurt in nearly a month of fighting between government forces and Maute extremists that has led to the declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao.