Seven suspected insurgents arrested in Pattani, Yala

Pattani Governor Pramuk Lamul gave details of the arrests of four suspected insurgents; Hapici Jehna, 22, Yawawi Hama, 22, Rohwe Salae, 23 and Aluesue Navae, 40, at a press conference. 

The four are suspected of firing assault rifles at a gold shop on Sai Buri Road, Sai Buri district, Pattani on September 21. Six people were killed and 53 others injured in the attack.

They were charged with several offences including terrorism, attempted murder and having explosives and war weapons in their possession. 

The governor said the four were members of the RKK separatist movement, which is known to be behind a series of violent attacks in the south. Arrest warrants have been issued for four other men - Kammesum Jehma, Maslan Malee, Madaree Taye and Abduloh Mudor - the governor said.

Meanwhile in Yala, police raided two separate houses in Raman district at about 5am after being tipped off that alleged insurgents were hiding there.

From the first house, police detained Usman Yakoh, 29 who had arrest warrants outstanding on him. During a search of two nearby houses, police found explosive elements and ingredients including five-kg fertilisers, benzene and diesel oil and two cell phones.

Meanwhile police also apprehended two suspects - Sakariya Yakoh, 30 and Marohning Lohma, 30 - in the raid at another house. They were wanted for alleged involvement in torching schools and several violent attacks in the area.

Officials believed that the suspects were in the area to prepare for attacks but local villagers tipped officials off to their presence.