The Philippine military on Thursday launched precise surgical airstrikes on three targets where the Maute militants were holed up in the besieged southern Philippine city of Marawi to flush out up to 40 militants that remain at large.

The airstrikes came one hour after a new round of crossfire in Marawi on Thursday noon. About 30 to 40 militants are reportedly hiding in some establishments and using the community or residents as shields to avoid the troops.

CGTN Photo

According to the Philippine Star, elite forces from the Special Operations Command conducted the strikes. The airstrikes were launched after troops made sure there were no civilians left in the target areas.

CGTN Photo

So far, 13 Maute militants have been killed by Philippine police. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared on Tuesday night martial law for 60 days on the island of Mindanao after clashes between the army and militants with alleged link to ISIL in Marawi.