Armed Attackers Kill 5 Soldiers in Narathiwat Checkpoint Ambush
Armed gunmen in a pickup truck ambushed a military checkpoint in Narathiwat province on July 22, killing five soldiers and wounding five others in what authorities say may trigger follow-up attacks.
Security officials have ordered heightened 24-hour surveillance to prevent follow-up attacks after armed gunmen assaulted a checkpoint, killing 5 soldiers and wounding 5 others. On July 22, assailants in a black four-door pickup truck attacked the Bu-ke-samee checkpoint in Moo 7, Tanyongmas village, Tanyongmas subdistrict, Rangae district, Narathiwas province, resulting in 5 military deaths and 5 civilian injuries. The deceased soldiers are: Sgt. Maj. Thirayut Somakeit, 43; Lance Cpl. Sakiriya Jehna, 23; Lance Cpl. Wimol Dab-thong, 43; Lance Cpl. Natsit Kaewsena, 34; and Lance Cpl. Solahuddin Pi, 34. The wounded include civilians Habib Hina, Muhammad Ali Abu, Farrah Abu, Muhammad Hafit Hina, and Awatif Burahen. Security personnel and locals rushed the injured to Rangae Hospital. Officials immediately cordoned off the attack site and dispatched forensic teams and military-police units to investigate, collect explosive fragments and shell casings for DNA analysis to identify the perpetrators for legal prosecution. Meanwhile, regional security authorities have implemented maximum security measures, instructing all checkpoints and units to maintain strict 24-hour surveillance to prevent further incidents and reassure residents.
