Analyses and background on the deployment of U.S. troops to assist Philippine military efforts against the terrorist group.

The US sends special forces to help Manila track down Abu Sayyaf rebels and the Americans they hold.

A history and profile of the Philippine organization.

In-depth report on the militant Muslim group fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines; contains news articles, incident map, timeline, interview, analysis, and links.

Description, activities, strength, area of operation and external aid. From the Federation of American Scientists. USA.

History, terrorist activity, articles, document, updates and history of attacks. From The International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism, Israel.

Two leaders were captured while a third surrendered to authorities along with nine followers in separate incidents in Basilan.

A captured rebel who offered to lead soldiers to two American hostages was killed when he grabbed a grenade from a soldier in an escape attempt.

The Philippine National Security Advisor made the prediction as a six-member US military advisory team began doing "coordinative work" with government troops fighting the group.

The incident followed an attack on Basilan's capital of Isabela thought to be an attempt to divert military attention from another Abu Sayyaf unit holding two American and 16 Filipino hostages.