Security forces yesterday arrested three men wanted in connection with a wave of insurgent attacks.
Pramuk: Sai Buri bomb suspects held
The arrests were made during pre-dawn raids on two villages in Yala's Raman district.
The operation, headed by Pol Col Sukhon Sri-arun, an investigation superintendent attached to Yala provincial police, involved 100 police officers and troops from Yala's 12th Task Force.
Two teams simultaneously raided Ban Balukapalas in tambon Balor and Ban Pormaeng in tambon Kuyubokoh following a tip-off that insurgent elements had infiltrated the area.
Authorities found and detained Usman Yakoh, 29, at a house in Ban Balukapalas. He was wanted in connection with southern violence.
The officers also seized a large number of bomb-making materials including 5kg of ammonium nitrate, one 15kg cooking gas cylinder and two bottles filled with petrol. Officers also impounded two motorcycles.
In Ban Pormaeng, authorities detained Sakareeya Yakoh, 30, and Maroning Lohma, 30, both wanted in connection with arson attacks in the province.
Meanwhile, trading at Pimolchai market in Muang Yala municipality picked up steadily yesterday.
Business has almost returned to normal under extra-tight security.
Many shops and stalls in the deep South had closed on Fridays following threats of attacks by insurgents.
A male vendor said yesterday many vendors have resumed trading on the Muslim day of prayer and gone about their business as usual. However, he said there were not as many shoppers as expected.
In Pattani, provincial governor Pramuk Lamul yesterday announced the arrest of four men in connection with the Sept 21 gold shop shooting and car bomb in Sai Buri district.
The explosion, which took place at Taluban municipality market left six people dead and 53 others injured. Several shophouses also caught fire.
Ahluesu Nawae, 40, Hapisi Jehna, 22, Rowee Salaeh, 23 and Yawawi Hama, 22, were charged with terrorism, among other offences.
The suspects, who are thought to be Runda Kumpalan Kecil (RKK) operatives, were rounded up in a number of raids in Sai Buri district, said the governor.
He said state authorities were also tracking down four other alleged accomplices. They were identified as Kammeesam Jehmah, Maslan Malee, Madaree Tayeh and Abdullok Mudor.
He said warrants had been issued for their arrest.