ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – The military said Wednesday (April 30th) it launched an air-and-ground assault against Abu Sayyaf militants wanted for a spate of kidnappings, with 14 militants and one soldier killed in the clashes, AFP reported.

The fighting began Tuesday after marines overran a militant camp on Jolo Island and clashes continued Wednesday, national military spokesman Ramon Zagala said.

The military captured the Abu Sayyaf camp Monday on the fringes of Patikul.

The group is suspected of abducting a Chinese tourist and a Filipina resort worker from Sabah, Malaysia last month. But the victims' whereabouts are unknown and military spokeswoman Rowena Muyuela said there were no signs of hostages at Patikul.