'Not aware of US support against Islamists in Marawi': Philippines' Duterte

A U.S. P3 Orion surveillance aircraft is seen flying over the town of Marawi city, as government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group, who has taken over large parts of the city, Philippines June 9, 2017 (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday he was not aware the U.S. government was providing assistance to government troops in its battle against Islamist militants in a southern Philippine city of Marawi.

Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte (C) with Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (L) and General Eduardo Ano, talks after visiting wounded soldiers who fight against the insurgents of the Maute group, which has taken over large parts of the Marawi city, at a military camp in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines June 11, 2017 (Romeo Ranoco / Reuters)

Duterte also said he “never approached America” for help.

“I am not aware of that until they arrived,” Duterte told a media briefing when asked about U.S. support to fight the pro-Islamic State militants in Marawi City.

U.S. forces were providing the Philippines with technical assistance, but they had no “boots on the ground”, the Philippines military said on Saturday.

Writing by Karen Lema; Editing by Robert Birsel; Reuters