Three suspected insurgents killed in clash in Pattani

He was sought over nine security cases including an attack in Ma Yor last July in which four soldiers were killed. 

The two other men killed were also suspected insurgents. They were identified as Patah Lateh and Mahamasabri Dolloh, a source said. 

Two more insurgents, identified as Abdulloh Salae and Sofri Jehha, were also arrested. This has put authorities on alert for possible attacks in retaliation. The officers also seized three rifles and four pistols, plus three grenades. 

A 100-strong team from the Police’s Special Task Force Unit 431 and the Army’s 43rd Ranger Division rushed to the area early yesterday after a tip-off that suspected insurgents were there. 

Officers clashed with the alleged militants in Ban Nasa Moo 5 in tambon Taluboh-Yeurai from 9am until 1pm. 

At press time late yesterday, the area was still sealed, as officers believed two more suspects were still in hiding in the area. 

The clash occurred around the same time Supreme Commander General Worapong Sanganet was in the deep South to attend a National Children’s Day celebration and provide flood relief to residents of Pattani’s Muang district.

In related news, a national security source recently revealed that Pattani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo) under the leadership of Gusturi Mahkota would arrange a meeting of “people who think differently from the Thai State” in Hamburg of Germany on January 24. Gusturi sent invitations to Pulo members and other separatist groups including the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, the Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani and the Gerakan Mujahidin Patani and some groups have already got back to say they will attend, the source said.

The “Unity Talk” gathering – to celebrate Pulo’s 47th anniversary – also aims to unite all groups, including two Pulo factions known as the “Patani Liberation Army” led by Samsuding Khan and the “old Pulo” group led by Kamae Usoh, in making demands to Thailand in the Malaysia-facilitated peace talks to end unrest in the deep South, the source said. 

Another source in Malaysia said the “Unity Talk” may be backed by some Thai agencies trying to resolve the lack of unity among “people who think differently from Thai State” – to ensure that the peace talks 

succeed.