U.S. Is Prepared to Take Casualties, General Says
U.S. troops are ready to take casualties to help the Philippines fight Muslim extremist guerrillas holding an American couple, Brig. Gen. Donald Wurster, head of the American forces, said in Zamboanga on the island of Mindanao.
As part of a training exercise, 160 U.S. Special Forces troops from a 660-strong American contingent would observe Filipinos battling Abu Saayaf guerrillas on nearby Basilan island.
American troops cannot engage in combat but will be armed for self-defense.
Fifty Philippine soldiers have been killed trying to rescue Wichita, Kan., missionaries Gracia and Martin Burnham and other hostages. Wurster said steps would be taken to minimize risks to troops from both countries.
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