Yala blast kills three soldiers, wounds boy
A BOMB ATTACK in Yala's Krong Pinang district yesterday killed three soldiers and wounded four civilians, including a 5-year-old boy.
The Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 condemned the attack, blaming it on extremist assailants who officials said acted indiscriminately without concern for the impact on local people.
Forward Command spokesman Colonel Pramote Prom-in said the attack not only killed state officials, but also wounded civilians, including young children. He urged private organisations and NGOs to condemn such attacks too.
“The Forward Command also offers condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, who carried out their duty up until the time they died. The Army will assist the families as best we can later on,” he added.
The explosion took place at around 8am on Krong Pinang-Sa-ai Road about 200 metres from the Ban Sa-ai School. It reportedly targeted an armoured truck carrying a six-strong Army team providing security to teachers and students arriving at the school. The bomb impact created a crater 5m wide and 1m deep.
The bomb instantly killed Master Sergeant First Class Saiyud Ferngdech and Sergeant Kiattisak Buapat, and seriously injured Sergeant Theerapong Talasa and Private Surapan Saengdao. Theerapong later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Yala Hospital. The bomb also slightly injured villagers Ma Mahaming, 40, Suranee Mahaming, 12, and Muhammad-atsaha Mahaming, 5, as they drove by in a pick-up truck. Police suspected the attack was carried out by an insurgent cell led by Aba Jeh-ali.
In Pattani’s Sai Buri district, Mavee Masae, 27, a farmer from Tambon Manang Dalam’s Ban Chalago, was shot dead at 11.30am by a gunman riding pillion on a motorcycle. Police are investigating to see whether this death was a result of a personal conflict or the ongoing unrest.
Deputy Prime Minister Pol General Pracha Promnog, commenting on the upcoming round of peace talks with Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), said authorities were reviewing the BRN’s five demands. Both sides in the talks would have to review them in order to proceed with the peace dialogue without disruption, he said.
