Philippine aircraft and troops launched a renewed push against Islamist militants in a southern city Tuesday, and a military spokesman said the aim was to clear the area by the weekend Eid festival, although there was no deadline.
The offensive came amid worry that rebel reinforcements could arrive in the city after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Fighting in the city of Marawi has entered a fifth week, and nearly 350 people have been killed, according to an official count. Fleeing residents have said they have seen scores of bodies in the debris of homes destroyed in bombing and crossfire.