User:Kguirnela/SandboxIII

Operation Sovereign was a military operation during the 2000 Philippine campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which took place in Lanao del Norte, Philippines. The 1st Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Army, primarily units of its 4th Infantry Division, moved to destroy all Moro Islamic Liberation Front camps in the area, with Camp Bilal ibn Rabah as the primary objective. Strategically, the operation aimed to compel the MILF leadership to negotiate a peace settlement with the Philippine government.

Background
The MILF launched attacks on the coastal areas of Lanao del Norte in the middle of March 2000. They blocked the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan-Kapatagan national highway and forces under the 303rd BIAF brigade under the command of Abdullah Makapaar occupied the municipal halls of Kauswagan and Munai towns. This action by the MILF prompted President Joseph Estrada to "throw the full might of the armed forces on these terrorists".

Plan
Three task groups were organized for the operation. The 602nd Infantry Brigade formed the core of the first (TG "A"), while the 603rd Infantry Brigade did the same for the second (TG "B"). The third was a reserve force (TG "C"). The infantry was supported by artillery and Philippine Air Force units under 6th Infantry Division control.

Battle
TG "A" moved northwest toward the Maladugao River and clashed with the MILF forces east of the river. TG "B" moved north towards the eastern slopes of Mt. Table, occupying the high ground. TG "C" secured their areas of operation and prevented the conflict from spreading to neighboring municipalities. Philippine Air Force's Composite Tactical Group 12 provided air support, medical evacuation, resupply and troop insertion missions.

Aftermath
The government forces achieved all their mission objectives. Casualties were light on both sides with two government troopers dead and five MILF killed.