Insurgent shot dead by security forces in Pattani province

An insurgent, who was the subject of an arrest warrant, was shot and killed in a house in Nong Chik district of Pattani province last night (Wednesday), after engaging in a fierce gun battle with security forces.

Security forces were dispatched to Ban Prang village in Tha Kamcham sub-district last evening, after being tipped-off that a suspected insurgent was hiding in a house there.

The security forces laid siege to the house and asked a community leader and a local religious leader to try to convince the suspect to surrender and avoid possible bloodshed.

The suspect, later identified by authorities as ‘Masakri’, who was wanted in connection with violent incidents in the province, refused to surrender after lengthy negotiations.

When the talks failed, the forces then flew a drone near the house to monitor the suspect’s movements. The drone, and two more, were shot down.

The suspect then opened fire at the security forces, prompting them to return fire. After the gun fire from the house fell silent, the forces moved into the house and found the suspect lying dead in the kitchen.