'Hostages killed' in Philippines clash

Muslim extremists who kidnapped 20 hostages - including three Americans - four days ago have clashed with Philippines troops, with some accounts reporting loss of life among the hostages.

A spokesman for the rebel Abu Sayyaf group quoted by Reuters news agency said that two hostages were killed. He did not identify the victims.

The rebels picked up the hostages from an exclusive tourist resort in the western Philippines.

The clash happened on the southern island of Basilan. Details are still coming in.