Ten Gunmen Kill Five Rangers in Narathiwat Attack

Authorities are investigating an armed assault on rangers manning a checkpoint at Buketsami in Rangae District, Narathiwat, that claimed five lives on July 22 at 6:45 p.m. Overnight, senior officials including Narathiwas Governor Bunchuay Hommyamyen coordinated the scene investigation with bomb disposal experts and forensic teams collecting evidence. Investigators discovered three types of ammunition scattered at the checkpoint, including over 100 M16 and AK-47 cartridges plus 11mm handgun shells, along with a pipe bomb the attackers threw toward the guard post. The deceased rangers are: Sergeant Major Thirayut Somakerd, 43; Private First Class Wimol Dab Thong, 43; Private First Class Sakariya Janaruea, 23; Private First Class Natsit Kaewsena, 34; and Private First Class Solahuddin Pi, 34. Authorities found that attackers stole four bulletproof vests, four ammunition pouches, and one 11mm handgun after the rangers fell. Security camera footage revealed more than 10 assailants divided into two teams: the first group drove a black Nissan pickup truck carrying six men in black uniforms resembling ranger fatigues with face-covering caps; the second team rode a white-and-red Honda Wave motorcycle, with the driver in a white shirt and helmet carrying an 11mm handgun, and the passenger disguised in a black hijab wielding an AK-47, following behind as rear guard. The attackers approached via Tan Yong Mas Market Road, with the motorcycle escort leading. Upon reaching the checkpoint where three rangers stood, the gunmen slowed the pickup and opened fire with M16s and AK-47s from the truck bed. After rangers fell, the attackers stopped to deliver follow-up shots, then descended to seize four folding-stock AK-47s and one 11mm handgun along with four ammunition pouches before fleeing toward Do Song Noi Subdistrict, Chanae District.