[Sky News] Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has fired a sniper rifle towards rebels as his troops battled the insurgents in Marawi City.The fight has been raging since May when Islamic State-inspired Maute militants captured parts of the conflict-hit city. Around 700 people, including many rebels, have so far died in the three-month battle.
Duterte reportedly fired the weapon as he met soldiers during his third Marawi visit. It is not known if his shots hit any Maute gunmen.
The Philippine government released an image of him holding a sniper rifle, along with the caption, "President Rodrigo Duterte fires a shot towards enemy lines during his third visit to the troops of the joint special operations task force trident in war-torn Marawi City."
During his trip, he told soldiers, "I will be happy to die for my country. I need to be with you to show my solidarity. We will not stop until the last terrorist is neutralized."
His visit to the city comes after troops managed to retake the city's mosque, which was believed to be a militant hideout.