Two held after raid on suspected insurgent base

The fierce gunfight lasted for more than 10 minutes, after which two suspects were arrested.
About six others are believed to have fled the scene during the exchange of gunfire, including Seudee Pooteh, who is wanted in many cases.
The most recent arrest warrant issued against Seudee is for the April 16 shooting of Orasa Ngernmark, chief administrator of Tambon Tanyong Limor Administrative Organisation, who sustained serious injuries.
Security officials say they initially received tip-offs about Suedee’s whereabouts from Muhamad Deurama, who had been detained earlier.
Based on the tips-off, Colonel Pasit Charnlekha and Colonel Sathirapong Artharn led a team of some 36 soldiers in a raid on the suspected RKK base on the Taway mountain range yesterday morning.
When the soldiers were about 15 metres from the base, the others opened fire, forcing the troops to run for cover before firing back.
Seudee apparently nudged several other suspects to use the gunfight as a cover to escape, relying on their familiarity with the area. However, the security officials managed to arrest two men –Ibroheng Uma, 43; and Sorma Sama-ae, 38 – who are now at a rangers’ unit for further questioning.
The soldiers found makeshift tents, food supply and some ammunition in the camp. Police will collect fingerprints and DNA from items collected from the so-called base.
Officials said they believe these men might have been planning to stage attacks during the upcoming Ramadan period.