Six suspected insurgents were killed and two policemen wounded in an exchange of fire in Pattani's Khok Pho district on Tuesday.

The 30-minute clash took place after members of Santisuk Task Force, a combined military, police and civilian unit, surrounded three houses at Phru Chut village in tambon Khuan Nori where a number of suspected insurgents were reported to have assembled.

Pol Col Jeerawat Udomsuk, deputy superintendent of Pattani police, the village headman, and religious leaders spoke through a loud speaker telling the suspects to surrenders, but to no avail.

After a two-hour siege, the combined government force decided to storm the three houses and a gun battle ensued for about 30 minutes.

Six suspected insurgents were killed.  Two policemen - Pol Sgt Chalermpong Khoksri and Pol Sgt Sorachai Chaichompoo - were injured, and admitted to Khok Pho hospital for treatment.