YALA - Two insurgents wanted on a number of arrest warrants were shot dead in an exchange of gunfire with rangers in Raman district around noon on Friday.
The clash occurred shortly when the two men, travelling on a motorcycle, refused to stop for a search at a security checkpoint at Ban Aekaeng village in Raman district. Instead, they fired shots at the rangers, who returned fire, security officials said.
The two men were shot dead. Both were carrying guns. No rangers were hit, but bullet holes were found in their vehicles.
The duo were identified as: Masupiyan Yakumor, wanted for murder and attempted murder in Rueso district, Narathiwat, on six arrest warrants; and Bukhoree Hama, wanted on five arrest warrants for attempted murder, murder and separatist activities in Raman district and Bacho district of Yala.
The 41st Ranger Regiment taskforce and 45th Ranger Regiment task force had set up checkpoints on local roads after receiving information from local residents that insurgents were active at Ban Aekaeng village.
Authorities believed the two insurgents were in the area planning attacks.