A key suspect wanted on many arrest warrants for violent incidents in the deep South was killed and a soldier wounded in a clash early on Sunday in Rueso district of Narathiwat province, police said.
Acting under martial law, a government force, led by Lt Col Songdej Suknui, commander of Narathiwat Task Force 30, laid siege to house No.50 in Padae Taerae village in tambon Batong of Rueso district after learning that Masukarueno Yakumo, a key militant leader, was hiding in the house. The siege began about 15 minutes after midnight.
Masukarirueno was wanted on at least nine arrest warrants. One of warrants was for his involvement in a bomb attack that killed Pol Lt Col Jakkrit Wongprommet, a former suppression chief of Rueso police station, and three other officials in Rueso district on March 15 this year.
The government force, with help from the village chief, the religious leader, and the chairman of Batong tambon administration organisation, tried to ask the father-in-law and wife of Masukarueno to tell the suspect to surrender. After more than three hours of tense negotiations, the two refused to cooperate.
At about 4.30am, the government force decided to send an advance team into the house. Masukarueno shot at them and an exchange of fire ensued for about 30 minutes.
Masukarueno was killed in the clash. His body was found lying in front of the toilet in the house. An 11mm gun and a hand grenade were found nearby.
A soldier, Cpl Pisitsak Ratchinda, 26, was wounded in the clash.