Mimbesa, MSU bombing mastermind, killed; Maute Group weakened

The alleged mastermind behind the deadly bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last December, Khadafi Mimbesa, also known as 'Engineer', has been killed and the Maute Group is on the brink of collapse following a series of military operations.

Mimbesa was wounded during an encounter in Lanao del Sur from January 25 to 26 before succumbing to his wounds sometime between January 28 and 30, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Military actions have led to the deaths of 12 Maute members, including those involved in assembling and detonating the explosive device used in the bombing.

Three other members were arrested while three surrendered, significantly weakening the group's capabilities.

The MSU bombing on December 3, 2023, killed four people and injured 45 others at the Dimaporo Gymnasium.