Isnilon Hapilon, an FBI most-wanted terror suspect, and Omarkhayam Maute were reportedly killed in a gunbattle in the southern city of Marawi

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The two surviving leaders of a deadly siege in the southern Philippines city of Marawi have been killed in an offensive launched by thousands of troops to retake areas held by pro-Islamic State militants, state security officials have said.

'They kill defenceless people': thousands flee Philippine city of Marawi Read more

Four military and police officials told Associated Press that Isnilon Hapilon, who is listed among the FBI’s most-wanted terror suspects, and Omarkhayam Maute were killed in a gun battle and their bodies were found on Monday in Marawi.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to make a public announcement yet of the latest developments in the city, a mosque-studded centre of Islamic faith in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest An FBI wanted notice for Isnilon Hapilon. Photograph: AP

Military leaders said last month that three leaders of the militants who besieged the southern city in May were killed during months of fighting but Hapilon and Maute were leading a final stand.

At least 17 hostages, including an infant and women, were rescued by troops at the site of the battle, which the officials said might finally end this week.

The siege has sparked fears Isis might gain a foothold in south-east Asia by influencing and providing funds to local militants as it suffers military defeats in Syria and Iraq. The United States and Australia have deployed surveillance aircraft to help Filipino troops battling the Marawi attackers.