Three insurgents killed in Pattani clash with security forces

Security forces in Thailand’s southern province of Pattani engaged in a fierce clash with a group of insurgents in the Khlong Chang area, resulting in three insurgents being killed. This incident follows a sequence of violent events linked to the insurgents over several years.

The confrontation occurred during a law enforcement operation in Khlong Chang, Naket subdistrict, Khok Pho district, Pattani province when officers encountered resistance from armed insurgents. The exchange of gunfire led to the deaths of three insurgents and one officer, with two additional officers sustaining injuries. These events unfolded over several days, concluding recently.

The spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, Colonel Ekwarit Chobchuphol, revealed that forensic experts examined evidence collected from the scene. They identified 12 5.56mm shell casings fired from an AK-102 assault rifle. This particular weapon was linked to 20 previous violent incidents in the region.

The first notable incident involved the shooting of Tamizi Uma, who died, and Panjiha Ali, who was injured on a rural road in Plong Hoi, Kapho district, Pattani, in November 2015. This marked the beginning of a series of violent acts attributed to the same insurgents.

In June 2016, insurgents opened fire on paramilitary rangers on a road in Ban Kok Wu, Kapho district, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Later that year, in November, Prasan Tiemyam was injured in a shooting on the same road.

The violence continued in September 2018 when insurgents fired shots near a special task force base in Krube district, Pattani. A few months later, in August 2018, Lukman Mawesa, a local volunteer, was injured in a shooting in Plong Hoi.

Further incidents

More incidents followed, including an attack on a police officer, Makori Niden, in April 2019, which left him injured while driving in Taling Chan, Sai Buri district. In July 2019, Arthis Sudsaeng, a district officer, was shot on Road 42 in Taling Chan.

In December 2019, Somdet Khaonam and Pe Tanmongkol were shot while driving a truck in Lahan, Pattani. In February 2020, Adilan Deng was injured in a shooting while driving a car on a road in Terabon, Sai Buri district.

Further incidents included shootings near police bases, attacks on border patrol officers, and the killing of Bukori Toya in June 2023 in Bare Tai, Bajoh district, Narathiwat. In August 2023, insurgents damaged a paramilitary vehicle and injured two officers in Taling Chan.

In October 2023, an attack in Kadunong, Sai Buri district, left Firhan injured while sitting at a tea shop. The following month, a local defence volunteer, 39 year old Ropi Uma was killed while riding his motorcycle in Sai Buri.

In January, Araman Lunte was injured in a shooting in Krube, Kapho district. Later that month, another volunteer, Aliyas Riji, was injured in a shooting in Hu Taemajai, Kadunong. In June, Muhammad Makri Mahama was shot while riding his motorcycle in Paseyawor, Sai Buri.

The most recent incident before the current clash occurred in July when insurgents shot and killed Malomlee Late in Luboyirai, Mayo district, Pattani, reported KhaoSod.