Manila, Feb 22 (IANS) The Philippine government said Monday it achieved an important victory over an Al Qaeda-linked militant group after the death of a top leader of the outfit in an operation.

Albader Parad, leader of the Abu Sayyaf terror group, was killed in a military operation Sunday in Sulu province in southern Philippines. Some his associates were also killed, Xinhua reported.

'We view this as an important victory in the continuing military battle against the terrorists group. We have confidence and we wish more military successes in the field,' deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar said.

Parad was involved in the kidnapping of three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross last year, and in the abduction of 21 people in Sipadan Diving Resort in Malaysia in 2001.

Olivar also said the military campaign is complemented by the government's peace and development efforts.