NARATHIWAT - Two police officers died in a gun battle that also claimed the lives of four insurgents including an RKK leader known as "Black Pele" on Saturday.
The shootout occurred after police and soldiers staged a joint operation to search Ban Sanae, Moo 1 of tambon Rieng in Rueso district after receiving a tip that "Black Pele" and his team were hiding in the village.
Black Pele, also known as Abdulrohing Dahisor, was suspected of leading the bomb attack that killed four officers late last month.
When the officers arrived at the house, the RKK militants began firing and both sides exchanged gunfire for about 15 minutes. Killed were Pol Lt Col Atiphat Suwanwiwat and Pol Sgt Maj Wichit Odthon, while Pol Sgt Yothin Chantaradet was slightly injured.
Officers then used a loudspeaker to demand that the insurgents surrender. Seven of them walked out of the house and were detained. The police also found several items of bomb materials, guns and other equipment.
Abdulrohing Dahisor was confirmed dead at the scene. Also slain were Masupean Salae and Usman Dengsamae, while the fourth suspected insurgent was not identified.