Battle of Marawi

Introduction

Marawi City, located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, bore witness to one of the most intense urban battles in recent history: the Battle of Marawi. This conflict, which erupted in 2017, pitted government forces against a coalition of extremist groups, including those affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). The siege not only resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life but also underscored the complex challenges of combating terrorism in densely populated urban areas. This article delves into the intricacies of the Battle of Marawi, its causes, consequences, and its enduring significance in the global fight against extremism.

Background of Marawi City

Understanding Marawi City’s historical, cultural, and demographic context is crucial for comprehending the dynamics that contributed to the onset of the Battle of Marawi.

• Historical Significance: Marawi City, often called the “Islamic City of Marawi,” holds deep historical significance as a center of Islamic culture and heritage in the Philippines. The Maranao people, an ethnolinguistic group indigenous to the region, founded it, and it has served as a hub for Islamic scholarship and trade for centuries. The city’s rich history intertwines with the spread of Islam in the Philippines and its cultural distinctiveness within the predominantly Catholic nation.
• Cultural and Religious Importance: Marawi City is renowned for its vibrant Islamic culture, characterized by its mosques, madrasas (Islamic schools), and traditional Maranao architecture. The iconic Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Grand Mosque dominates the city’s skyline, symbolizing Marawi’s religious and architectural heritage. Islamic traditions and customs are deeply ingrained in the daily lives of Marawi’s residents, shaping everything from social norms to economic activities.
• Demographic Composition: Marawi City is home to a diverse population comprising predominantly Maranao Muslims, although there are also Christian and indigenous communities. The Maranaos are known for their strong sense of identity and cultural pride, reflected in their distinct language, art, music, and cuisine. The city’s population has steadily increased over the years, influenced by urbanization, migration, and the expansion of educational institutions like Mindanao State University.

Rise of Extremism in the Philippines

Understanding the context behind this rise is crucial for comprehending the region’s conflict and extremism dynamics.

• Historical Context: Extremism in the Philippines has historical roots dating back to colonial periods. Abu Sayyaf, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the New People’s Army (NPA) are designated as terrorist organizations by various governments and international bodies. These groups have often espoused ideologies based on religious, ethnic, or ideological grievances against the government and other perceived adversaries.
• Socioeconomic Factors: The Philippines grapples with significant socioeconomic disparities, which exacerbate conditions conducive to extremism. In numerous conflict-affected areas like Mindanao, poverty, limited access to education, and scarce economic opportunities persist. These conditions foster disillusionment and alienation, making individuals vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups offering financial incentives or promises of social justice.
• Historical Grievances: Historical injustices, particularly those experienced by Muslim communities in Mindanao, have fueled longstanding grievances and resentment towards the central government. The marginalization of Moro and Lumad indigenous peoples, coupled with the failure to address land disputes and autonomy demands, has deepened feelings of disenfranchisement and contributed to the appeal of separatist movements.
• Influence of ISIS Ideology: The emergence of ISIS as a global terrorist organization has had a profound impact on extremism in the Philippines. Various local extremist groups, such as the Maute group and factions within Abu Sayyaf, have pledged allegiance to ISIS, adopting its radical ideology and tactics. The dissemination of ISIS propaganda through social media platforms has facilitated recruitment and radicalization, particularly among disaffected youth.
• Social Media and Online Radicalization: The widespread availability of social media platforms has provided extremist groups with a powerful tool for recruitment and radicalization. Online propaganda, including videos glorifying violence and promoting extremist ideologies, has reached a wide audience, including vulnerable individuals susceptible to indoctrination. The anonymity provided by the internet enables extremists to operate with relative impunity, posing challenges for authorities in effectively countering online radicalization.

“The Battle Begins”

The onset of the Battle of Marawi marks the beginning of a protracted and bloody conflict that would devastate the city and its inhabitants, highlighting the formidable challenge posed by extremist groups in the Philippines and the wider region.

Government Attempt to Capture Militant Leaders:

• Background: The Philippine government had been conducting operations targeting militant leaders in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, due to their involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and terrorism.
• Triggering Event: Government security forces attempted to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the designated emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia, who they believed to be hiding in Marawi City on May 23, 2017.
• Escalation: The attempted capture of Hapilon sparked fierce resistance from his supporters, leading to a full-scale siege of Marawi City by militants belonging to the Maute group and other ISIS-affiliated factions.
• Failed Operation: Despite initial expectations of a swift operation, the militants’ well-prepared defenses and knowledge of the urban terrain caught the government forces off guard, escalating hostilities.

Marawi Siege: Timeline and Key Events:

• Initial Assault: Following the failed capture attempt, militants launched coordinated attacks on key government installations, including the city hall, police stations, and military camps, effectively seizing control of large parts of Marawi City.
• Declaration of Martial Law: On May 23, 2017, in response to the escalating violence, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the entire island of Mindanao, empowering security forces to undertake necessary measures to quell the rebellion.
• Intensification of Fighting: Over the following weeks, intense clashes between government forces and militants ensued, characterized by urban warfare tactics, including the use of snipers, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and booby traps.

Initial Response from the Philippine Military:

• Deployment of Troops: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mobilized troops from various units, including the Philippine Army, Philippine Marines, and Philippine Air Force, to retake control of Marawi City from the militants.
• Air and Artillery Strikes: The military launched air and artillery strikes targeting militant positions and infrastructure, aiming to degrade their capabilities and facilitate ground operations.
• Collateral Damage: Despite efforts to minimize civilian casualties, the use of heavy firepower in densely populated urban areas resulted in collateral damage to civilian structures and loss of innocent lives, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of the military campaign.

Intensity and Tactics of the Battle

The intensity and ferocity of the Battle of Marawi, characterized by urban warfare and the use of asymmetric tactics by both government forces and militants, underscore the formidable challenges faced in combating extremism in densely populated areas.

• Urban Warfare Challenges: The Battle of Marawi unfolds in a densely populated urban environment, presenting unique challenges for both government forces and militants. Narrow streets, densely packed buildings, and the presence of civilians complicate military maneuvers and increase the risk of collateral damage.
• Use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs): Militants employ IEDs extensively throughout the conflict, rigging buildings, roads, and vehicles with explosives to impede the advance of government troops. Booby traps and landmines are strategically placed to ambush and inflict casualties on unsuspecting soldiers.
• Sniper Attacks: Militants utilize snipers positioned in elevated vantage points to target government forces and impede their movement. Snipers inflict casualties and create a sense of fear and vulnerability among advancing troops, prolonging the duration of the battle.
• Tactical Withdrawals and Regrouping: Throughout the battle, militants employ hit-and-run tactics, engaging government forces in skirmishes before retreating to fortified positions. These tactical withdrawals allow militants to conserve resources, reorganize, and launch counterattacks against government forces at opportune moments.
• Civilians as Human Shields: Militants exploit the presence of civilians trapped in the conflict zone, using them as human shields to deter airstrikes and artillery bombardment. This tactic complicates military operations, as government forces must exercise restraint to minimize civilian casualties while neutralizing the enemy threat.
• Siege Mentality and Resistance: Despite facing overwhelming firepower and superior numbers, militants in Marawi City exhibit a determined and fanatical resistance. Inspired by their extremist ideology and fueled by a sense of martyrdom, militants continue to fight fiercely against government forces until the bitter end.

Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian crisis triggered by the Battle of Marawi is profound, affecting thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire and resulting in widespread displacement, loss of life, and devastation. Key aspects of the humanitarian crisis include:

• Displacement and Refugee Crisis: The conflict has compelled tens of thousands of residents to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in evacuation centers, makeshift shelters, or with relatives in safer locations. Due to the displacement of citizens, the evacuation centers become congested and unhygienic, which increases the risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Access: Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges in delivering aid to affected populations due to security concerns and access restrictions imposed by ongoing fighting. Restricted access to affected areas impedes the distribution of critical supplies, including food, water, shelter, and medical assistance, exacerbating the plight of displaced civilians.
• Psychosocial Impact: Long-term conflict and displacement have a negative impact on people’s mental health and well-being, increasing their stress, trauma, and psychological distress levels. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the long-term effects of exposure to violence and displacement, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Life and Civilian Casualties: The Battle of Marawi results in a significant loss of civilian lives, with reports of indiscriminate shelling, airstrikes, and crossfire claiming the lives of men, women, and children. Collateral damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, further compounds the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
• Protection of Civilians: The protection of civilians emerges as a critical humanitarian priority, with calls for both government forces and militants to uphold international humanitarian law and respect the rights of non-combatants. Efforts to ensure the safe passage of civilians out of conflict-affected areas and establishing humanitarian corridors are essential to mitigate the risk of further harm to civilian populations.

International Response

The Battle of Marawi garnered significant international attention, prompting various countries and international organizations to respond with offers of assistance, support, and solidarity. Key aspects of the international response include:

• Regional Assistance: Neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, expressed solidarity with the Philippines and offered assistance in combating the extremist threat emanating from Marawi. Regional cooperation mechanisms, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), facilitated coordination and collaboration among member states to address the conflict’s security implications.
• Military Support: The United States, a longstanding ally of the Philippines, provided military assistance, including intelligence sharing, technical support, and training for Philippine security forces engaged in the battle. Australia and Japan provided logistical support and deployed military assets to aid in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts following the conflict.
• Humanitarian Aid: International humanitarian organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs), rallied resources and expertise to deliver humanitarian aid to displaced civilians. Donor countries pledged financial support and humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of conflict-affected populations, including food, water, shelter, and medical care.
• Diplomatic Engagement: The Philippines pursued diplomatic efforts to garner diplomatic support and solidarity from the international community in its campaign against extremism. Multiple international forums, including the United Nations Security Council, deliberated on the conflict in Marawi and acknowledged it as a threat to regional stability and security.
• Capacity Building and Counterterrorism Cooperation: International efforts concentrated on enhancing the capacity of Philippine security forces to counter terrorism and curb the dissemination of extremist ideology. To counter the threat posed by transnational terrorist networks, capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and training initiatives were initiated to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and improve border security measures.

Philippine Government’s Response

The Philippine government’s response to the Battle of Marawi encompassed a range of measures aimed at quelling the extremist threat, restoring law and order, and addressing the humanitarian and security challenges arising from the conflict. Key aspects of the government’s response include:

• Declaration of Martial Law: In response to the escalating violence in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the entire island of Mindanao on May 23, 2017. Martial law enabled the government to deploy additional security forces, implement strict security measures, and exercise broader powers to restore regional peace and stability.
• Military Offensive and Counterinsurgency Operations: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commenced a significant military offensive to regain control of Marawi City from extremist factions. Government forces conducted air and ground operations, supported by artillery bombardment and airstrikes, to degrade and neutralize the enemy’s capabilities and liberate areas under militant control.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Rehabilitation: In collaboration with humanitarian agencies and local authorities, the government initiated efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and support to displaced civilians affected by the conflict. Efforts to rebuild infrastructure, restore basic services, and facilitate the return and resettlement of displaced populations in Marawi City and surrounding areas involved undertaking rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
• Engagement with Civil Society and Community-Based Initiatives: The government engaged with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and local communities to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion in conflict-affected areas. Community-based initiatives, including peace-building programs and efforts to address underlying grievances, were supported to prevent the recurrence of violence and promote sustainable peace and development.
• International Cooperation and Diplomatic Engagement: The Philippine government sought international support and cooperation in its fight against terrorism, including assistance from allies and neighboring countries. Diplomatic initiatives undertook to increase awareness of the extremist threat and rally international solidarity and assistance in tackling the security and humanitarian issues arising from the conflict.

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The aftermath of the Battle of Marawi offers valuable lessons for governments, humanitarian agencies, and the international community in responding to complex emergencies, addressing the root causes of extremism, and building resilient and inclusive societies.

• Death Toll and Destruction: The Battle of Marawi resulted in a significant loss of life, with hundreds of civilians, militants, and government forces killed in the conflict. The city of Marawi suffered extensive destruction, with infrastructure, homes, businesses, and cultural landmarks devastated by the fighting and airstrikes.
• Displacement and Humanitarian Impact: Tens of thousands of people had to leave their homes and endure appalling circumstances in temporary shelters and evacuation centers. The conflict’s humanitarian impact, including the loss of lives, livelihoods, and access to basic services, underscored the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support for affected populations.
• Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Efforts: After liberating Marawi City from extremist control, the Philippine government launched an extensive rehabilitation and reconstruction campaign to rebuild the city and return its residents to normalcy. To address the physical, economic, and social damage caused by the conflict, authorities implemented infrastructure projects, housing programs, and livelihood support initiatives.
• Intelligence and Security Reforms: The Battle of Marawi highlighted gaps and weaknesses in the country’s intelligence and security apparatus, prompting calls for reforms and enhancements to counterterrorism capabilities. Law enforcement agencies made efforts to improve intelligence gathering, analysis, and sharing to prevent future terrorist attacks and disrupt extremist networks.
• Sociopolitical Implications: The conflict in Marawi City had profound sociopolitical implications, exacerbating tensions between different ethnic and religious communities and highlighting underlying grievances and disparities. Efforts deemed essential to address the root causes of extremism and prevent the recurrence of violence included promoting reconciliation, social cohesion, and inclusive development.
• Resilience and Community Empowerment: Despite the devastation wrought by the conflict, the resilience and determination of the people of Marawi City and surrounding communities were evident in their efforts to rebuild and recover. Community-led initiatives, grassroots organizations, and civil society engagement played a vital role in fostering resilience, promoting social cohesion, and empowering communities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Conclusion

The Battle of Marawi serves as a vivid reminder of the profound consequences of extremist violence on communities and emphasizes the critical importance of collective endeavors to address the underlying causes of terrorism. The conflict, marked by intense urban warfare and humanitarian crises, underscores the importance of comprehensive approaches encompassing security measures, humanitarian assistance, and community engagement. As the Philippines continues its recovery and reconstruction efforts, the lessons learned from Marawi emphasize the critical importance of international cooperation, resilience-building, and dialogue in countering extremism and fostering lasting peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.