New York terrorist plot suspect a surgeon from Philippines Isis hotbed

Fight to extradite Russell Salic to US comes amid concern at role of wealthy Filipino families from Marawi area in aiding Isis

A Filipino citizen accused of funding the foiled terror plot in New York is an orthopaedic surgeon previously based in Marawi City in the Philippines, where armed groups linked with Islamic State have staged a bloody battle for more than four months.

Suspect Russell Salic is highly educated and well-connected. The mayor of Marawi City, Majul Gandamra, said he used to have links to the Amai Pakpak medical center, one of the most advanced hospitals in a region known for its poverty. The hospital was among the first facilities attacked by Isis-linked groups when the conflict erupted on 23 May.

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from World news | The Guardian http://ift.tt/2yTjbkL

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