The U.S. military unit provides counter-terrorism advice and training to Filipino troops fighting the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

WSJ: Filipino Militants Free Australian Hostage

And, lest Libya run out of hostages to trade for political leverage, the Abu Sayyaf group has helpfully abducted an American, Jeffrey Schilling.

ECONOMIST: Libya

Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf group are -- were affiliates of al Qaeda, to include sanctuary that was being provided for purposes of financing and other endeavors.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing with Ben Rhodes and Admiral Robert Willard