On July 8, CNN report that "the fighting in Basilan that began Wednesday night is affecting three towns: Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan and Al-Barka" and that "the armed men fighting authorities in Basilan are led by the notorious Abu Sayyaf leaders Puruji Indama and Isnilon Hapilon"[6] The Islamic State released a report on the fighting, claiming 40 Filipino soldiers had been killed in eight days of clashes and that the battle involved heavy artillery fire and airstrikes.