Attack in Thailand’s Deep South pinned on ‘active’ insurgents

A safety source claims that an insurgent group operating in many districts of this southern border state is responsible for the weapons extortion and fire at the Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Waeng area on Saturday evening.

Manso Puteh, who is wanted by the officials in numerous violent cases, is the leader of the group in problem. &nbsp,

The source said he heads the rebel group, which has bases in Sungai Padi, Waeng, and pieces of Sungai Kolok regions. &nbsp,

The team is believed to possess fled into lying in the jungle in a neighboring country following the attack by at least 20 armed rebels, the source added. &nbsp,

Narathiwat is a southern border state with Malaysia.

According to the cause, security forces and bush soldiers have launched a joint operation to find the group in Thailand’s boundary forest. But, they’ve found no offenders, leading them to feel that the rebels had crossed into a neighbouring state, the source said.

On Saturday evening, the hooded rebels attacked the temple, holding four officials hostage. This was the first time the organization had been attacked in 30 years.

Four department buildings were bombed and destroyed inside the sanctuary by the intruders. No deaths were reported. &nbsp,

Improvised incendiary products

Maj-Gen Chaloemporn Khamkeaw, captain of the Narathiwat Task Force, and Athaphol Charoenshunsa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, visited the temple on Monday to inspect the damage caused by the strike.

The area office building, three personnel living quarters, and garages were found to have sustained damage from the fire and explosions.

At least three improvised explosive devices ( IEDs ), including the first one that detonated on Saturday and the other two the day after, have damaged the office complex, according to Maj-Gen Chaloemporn. Only the doorway was left standing after the IEDs tore apart the business building.

A compartment for storing weapon was blown off by a fire. The intruders had unsuccessfully attempted to enter the building using a hammer. A fire extinguishers cylinder was used to start each weapon, which weighed between 15-20 kg, and was then timed digitally.

A record case was entirely destroyed, according to Maj Gen Chaloemporn. &nbsp,

The researchers said about a hundred government-owned weapon were reported missing after the bombs. They include firearms and one .38 quality pistol.

Recovered as evidence were vestiges of electronic timers, barrels, gun parts and leftover dynamite. They were being carefully examined, said Maj Gen Chaloemporn.

Police said Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists managed to destroy the temple after they discovered at least five more explosives had been planted close to it.