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US Prepared for Casualties in Fight Against Philippines Muslim Rebels VOA News 6 Feb 2002 13:40 UTC 
The U.S. military said it is prepared to take casualties in joint operations with Philippine troops aimed at wiping out Muslim rebels in the south of the country.
As many as 600 American troops will ultimately be involved in the operations, formally launched last week, in the southern Philippines. Officials from both sides have said the troops are to help train Philippine soldiers, and will not be directly involved in combat.
However, Brigadier General Donald Wurster acknowledged Wednesday that U.S. troops, who will be able to fire in self defense, could come under attack by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas. But he said the U.S. military is prepared to accept the risk in order to achieve the objective of helping Manila crush the rebel group.
The Abu Sayyaf guerrillas - linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network - are holding captive an American couple and a Philippine nurse.
Some information in this report provided by AFP and AP.
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