The United States has deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Marawi City as it raised its surveillance support to the ongoing military operations against members of the Maute terrorist group who are trying to fend off a government offensive to boot them out from the city.
The deployment of the Gray Eagle took place following a statement of the military that it was already in its final phase of operations against remnants of the terror group that had been battling soldiers since they lay siege to Marawi City in May.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año has earlier assured that the operations will be over before he retires on October 26, vowing the rebellion in the city would be the last in Mindanao, and even in the whole country by rebels and terrorists.
“Compared to current surveillance platforms used in the region, the Gray Eagle has a longer flight duration, which will enable a larger area of reconnaissance and surveillance,” said the US Embassy in a news statement over the deployment of the drone.
The presence of the Gray Eagle complements the presence of the P-3 Orion, which the US is also using to gather intelligence information in the battle areas in support of the operating Filipino troops.
Over the weekend, Australia has decided that it will send a small contingent of Australian soldiers to the country to support the ongoing operations against the terrorists by way of providing technical support, including intelligence information.
Australia had earlier deployed three spy planes in Marawi City, still as a form of intelligence and surveillance support for the Filipino soldiers.
The use of the Gray Eagle in the operations against members of the Maute Group followed an earlier report that the US Department of Defense wanted to conduct air strikes against the terrorists in the city.
However, Año said that, while they really appreciate any form of assistance from the US, the air strikes remain a plan until it is officially communicated with the military through the Philippine government.
He also noted that US involvement in direct military operations in the country is not covered by the defense treaty with the Americans, unless Manila is attacked by another country.
“The existing Mutual Defense Treaty provides that only technical assistance and training may be allowed under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board,” Año said.
The US Embassy said over the past three years the US government has provided the country with assistance valued at over P15 billion “to establish better command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “