Armed Attack in Thailand Kills 5 Paramilitary Rangers, Wounds Residents

ILLUSTRATION PIXABAY

JAKARTA - A total of five members of the paramilitary ranger force were killed and five civilians were injured, including a 10-year-old boy, after a group of armed residents launched an attack with firearms and pipe bombs against a checkpoint in Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand.

The attack occurred on Wednesday, July 22, at around 18.45 local time at the Buke Sami Check Point, Ra-ngai District.

According to security forces, six perpetrators wearing all-black clothes came in a four-door pickup truck before firing shots and throwing pipe bombs at a post guarded by paramilitary rangers.

A senior security official said after the attack, the attackers approached the victim's body and stole a bulletproof vest and ammunition pouch before fleeing.

Then at around 20:50 local time, residents in Sri Sakhon District reported the discovery of a black four-door pickup truck that was on fire on the road.

Security authorities suspect that the pickup truck was the vehicle used by the perpetrator during the attack and was burned to remove DNA traces and hinder the investigation.

The latest intelligence report also indicates that the perpetrators are planning bomb attacks and arson targeting strategic economic areas in the Kolok and Waeng River Districts.

Security forces also increased security to the maximum in a number of commercial areas. A military spokesman condemned the attack, calling it an inhumane act.

The regional security command stated that the use of war weapons in urban areas endangers the safety of the lives and property of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.

Security officials expressed condolences to the victims and their families, and committed to arresting the perpetrators.

Currently, the police are still hunting for two motorbikes that are suspected of being used as surveillance vehicles and bodyguards for the attackers.