NARATHIWAT, 15 February 2013 Heavily armed security forces and bomb disposal teams entered Bacho district in Narathiwat to provide support to local troops who were sealing off routes in the area. The heavy presence of officials on the routes was aimed at preventing the militants involved in Wednesday’s (February 13) assault on a Navy military base from escaping from Bacho district. Patrols have been increased, and troops are now stationed at healthcare facilities, clinics, and convenient stores in order to guard against insurgents who may decide to rob these venues of medical supplies to treat their fellow militants who were wounded.
Officials have also brought in 3 suspects for questioning and confiscated their vehicle, a silver Toyota pickup truck with a Pattani license plate. The left front door of the truck was smudged with blood stains. One of the 3 suspects apprehended was the brother of Burahan Chena, a militant killed by officials on January 23rd.
Meanwhile, leaflets indicating that insurgents were preparing to retaliate in revenge for the deaths of the rebels using all means were found in Bacho district. The text on the leaflets was in Thai.
