The Stream

What really happened in Marawi?

In a daring assault, ISIL-affiliated groups took control of the biggest Muslim city in the Philippines. They have been defeated after a five-month battle but many are saying this is just the beginning.

In May, the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines was overrun by an alliance of armed groups who had pledged allegiance to ISIL. It was a daring assault that left the country in shock.

Now, after a ruinous five-month fight, the group has been defeated. But Marawi – the biggest Muslim city in the country – is almost completely destroyed and more than 1,000 people are dead.
 

Al Jazeera 101 East’s Steve Chao was with the military as it made its final push to take the city. With some saying the battle may be the beginning of a wider conflict on the island of Mindanao, he will share stories from the front lines with The Stream.
 

Chao is joined by local experts to ask what’s next for the Philippines and whether ISIL is gearing up for another assault and planning on making Southeast Asia its new battleground. 

 

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Steve Chao @SteveChaoSC
Senior Presenter, Al Jazeera English’s 101 East

Ace B. Guro @sheisace
Marinao youth advocate

Raphael Bosano @RaphBosano
Journalist, ABS-CBN News

Must watch:

Taking back Marawi – Al Jazeera

Must read:

‘Mama, I want to go home’: ISIL’s assault on Marawi – Al Jazeera
Overkill: Some locals question Marawi shelling – Al Jazeera
Gaining ground: The battle for Marawi – Al Jazeera