MARAWI CITY, PHILIPPINES - MAY 25: Soldiers run for cover to evade sniper fire while trying to clear the city of armed militants, one street at a time, on May 25, 2017 in Marawi city, southern Philippines. Gun battles between ISIS-linked militants and Filipino troops erupted in Marawi city on Tuesday when gunmen from the local terrorist groups Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf rampaged through the southern city, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare 60 days of martial law in Mindanao. Thousands of residents were reported to have fled from Malawi city while at least 21 people were killed, including a police chief who had been beheaded and buildings were torched by the terror groups. President Duterte said the influence of Islamic State is one of the nation's top security concerns, and martial law on Mindanao island could be extended across the Philippines to enforce order, allowing the detention of people without charge. (Photo by Jes Aznar/Getty Images)
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MARAWI CITY, PHILIPPINES - MAY 25: Soldiers run for cover to evade sniper fire while trying to clear the city of armed militants, one street at a time, on May 25, 2017 in Marawi city, southern Philippines. Gun battles between ISIS-linked militants and Filipino troops erupted in Marawi city on Tuesday when gunmen from the local terrorist groups Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf rampaged through the southern city, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare 60 days of martial law in Mindanao. Thousands of residents were reported to have fled from Malawi city while at least 21 people were killed, including a police chief who had been beheaded and buildings were torched by the terror groups. President Duterte said the influence of Islamic State is one of the nation's top security concerns, and martial law on Mindanao island could be extended across the Philippines to enforce order, allowing the detention of people without charge. (Photo by Jes Aznar/Getty Images)
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Story highlights

Philippines President Duterte claims ISIS leader ordered attack on Marawi

US troops providing "technical assistance," but Duterte denies he asked for help

CNN  — 

Bombs continue to shake the southern Philippines city of Marawi as the battle to eradicate hundreds of ISIS-affiliated militants enters its third week.

As the fighting wears on, deadline after deadline set by the Philippines government for the end of the conflict has been missed, including a pledge to finish the fighting by Monday, the country’s Independence Day.

A presidential spokesman said Saturday it would take at least two more weeks to clear the embattled city.

CNN Philippines correspondent David Santos, who is currently less than five kilometers from the fighting, said the progress of government forces has been slowed by concerns over civilians caught in the crossfire.