NARATHIWAT, Oct 21 – One suspected insurgent was killed and one official wounded in bombings and clashes between suspected insurgents and security officials in this southern border province on Saturday night.
The violence occurred at five spots in Tak Bai district.
The first incident occurred at a marine police station when an unknown number of suspected insurgents commenced shooting and bombing attacks, leading to a clash with the police. One police officer was wounded. After the clash ended, the police found more than 50 cartridges and two grenades at the site.
Subsequently, another clash occurred at a checkpoint near a Muslim cemetery. One suspected insurgent was killed.
Meanwhile, three bombs exploded at a convenience store, a karaoke cafe and the parking of the Taba Plaza Hotel. The bomb at the convenience store was placed on a shelf, causing a fire which partly damaged the shop. The bomb at the karaoke cafe was attached to a motorcycle while the car bomb at the hotel damaged the building and the assets.
According to an initial investigation, more than ten suspected insurgents launched the series of attacks simultaneously, then threw tripod spikes on roads to thwart officials following them. Several cars were damaged by the strewn tripod spikes.
