Patrol ambush leaves 3 dead

PATTANI: Authorities are searching for suspects who ambushed a patrol in Yarang district on Monday night, killing three people and injuring five others, police said yesterday.

The ambush occurred in front of tambon Yarang municipal office on the Yarang-Mayo road at about 10.50pm.

The attackers used assault rifles and grenades. Over 100 spent rifle cartridges were found at the scene, along with grenade fragments. The walls of the two-storey municipal office were left riddled with holes.

Pol Snr Sgt Maj Tuwaelo Loma, 48, and defence volunteers Charnwit Dorloh, 45, and Narong Rakaew, 47, were killed in the attack. Five other police officers were injured.