April 23, 2000, Seattle Times, Philippine forces attack hostage-holding rebels,

April 23, 2000, Seattle Times, Philippine forces attack hostage-holding rebels,

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines - Philippine forces are advancing on the mountain base of Muslim rebels, hammering their defenses with airstrikes and artillery in an attempt to free 27 hostages.

Gen. Angelo Reyes, the Philippines' military chief, yesterday vowed to push the offensive against Abu Sayyaf rebels on southern Basilan island despite rebel threats to kill more hostages after beheading two last week.

The beheadings came after authorities refused rebel demands for the release of Muslim militants jailed in the United States, including the mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The Abu Sayyaf is the smaller but more radical of two Muslim groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines.