President Rodrigo Duterte fires sniper rifle towards militants in Marawi City

The President of the Philippines has fired a sniper rifle towards militants as his troops battle the insurgents in Marawi City, say officials.

The fight has been raging since May when Islamic State-inspired Maute rebels captured parts of the conflict-hit city.

Around 700 people, including many militants, have so far died in the three-month battle.

President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly fired the weapon as he met soldiers during his third Marawi visit.

It is not known if his shots hit Maute gunmen.

The Filipino government released an image of him holding a sniper rifle, along with the caption: "President Rodrigo Duterte fires a shot towards enemy lines during his third visit to the troops of the joint special operations task force trident in war-torn Marawi City."

During his trip, he told soldiers: "I will be happy to die for my country. I need to be with you to show my solidarity."

He added: "We will not stop until the last terrorist is neutralised."

His visit to the city comes after government troops managed to retake the city's mosque, which was thought to be a militant hideout.

The insurgents are thought to be aiming to establish an Islamic State province in the Philippines.

President Duterte has also been battling drug gangs since last year where more than 5,000 suspects have been killed.