In January 2002, the United States Special Operations Command, Pacific deployed to the Philippines to advise and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in combating Filipino Islamist groups. The operations were mainly focused on removing the Abu Sayyaf group and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) from their stronghold on the island of Basilan. The second portion of the operation was conducted as a humanitarian program called "Operation Smiles". The goal of the program was to provide medical care and services to the region of Basilan as part of a "Hearts and Minds" program. Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines disbanded in June 2014, ending a 14-year mission. After JSOTF-P disbanded, as late as November 2014, American forces continued to operate in the Philippines under the name "PACOM Augmentation Team". COUNT 5
QSN1 Where did the USSOC Pacific deploy to in Jan 2002? ANS1 Philippines QSN2 What was the goal of the 2002 Philippines deployment? ANS2 combating Filipino Islamist groups QSN3 What was the main Filipino Islamist group being attacked? ANS3 Abu Sayyaf QSN4 What humanitarian effort followed the 2002 military operation in the Philippines? ANS4 Operation Smiles QSN5 What did Operation Smiles do for the Philippines? ANS5 provide medical care and services to the region of Basilan