The Philippine government has declared an Islamic State ‘invasion’ after an Isis flag was hoisted over the southern city of Marawi. The army, which is embroiled in a deadly battle with Muslim extremists, claims foreign fighters are among rebels who have held the city since Tuesday, when troops raided the hideout of a notorious militant leader. With the city overtaken by violence that has claimed the lives of at least 46 people and prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law on the island of Mindanao, citizens are fleeing en masse.

Courtesy: The Guardian