PATTANI, Oct 16 – Police today released the names of three insurgents who were killed during a raid by a government security team in this restive southern Thai province.
The three slain men were identified as Sakareeya Jehmae, 43, Manuwee Kasa, 29 and Ubduloseh Salae, 26.
Security forced searched a suspected area in Thung Yang Daeng district yesterday evening and clashed with the insurgent group. One man was captured alive and is now being questioned.
The three were initially believed to be the same group who shot dead five police officers on petrol smuggling suppression operations in September.
Thung Yang Daeng police superintendent Pol Col Kowit Ratanachote said police believe the four suspects entered the area to prepare for an insurgent attack in retaliation for the extrajudicial killing of their compatriots by Narathiwat police.
Pol Col Kowit said police had been informed of the move, however, which led to the attack and siege of the suspects compound.
He said security precautions have been stepped up in order to prevent retaliation by insurgents. More checkpoints have been set up, and security monitoring at government facilities, compounds and schools have been boosted, although it is a school vacation period.
