Rangers kill suspected insurgent
A suspected leading member of the armed insurgency group the RKK was shot dead during a gunfight with the military in Narathiwat’s Rusoh district early Sunday.
The clash broke out at about 3.50am after rangers surrounded the home of insurgent suspect Mahama Maeroh, 29.
“The exchange of gunfire lasted more than 10 minutes. After the gunshots stopped, we found Mahama was dead,” 46th Rangers Regiment comฌmander Colonel Pasit Charnlekha said.
He said rangers also arrestฌed three other suspects at the scene.
Rangers had been on Mahama’s trail for three days before they found him at his house, Pasit said.
Mahama was wanted in connection with at least six incidents, including four attacks in Narathiwat province and two in Yala.
Officials said Mahama was shot three times during the gunfight.
“His body will be sent to a hospital for an autopsy. After that, we will contact his relaฌtives so that they can collect his body for religious funeral rites,” an official said on condiฌtion of anonymity.
Authorities have said that Mahama led a group of about six insurgents who had been active in staging attacks in the deep South, particularly in Narathiwat.
Authorities reportedly instructed security officials in Narathiwat to be extra vigilant based on a theory that the RKK might stage revenge attacks.
