Two rangers killed, another wounded in Narathiwat attack

Two rangers killed, another wounded in Narathiwat attack

Soldiers inspect the scene of the attack in forest near Thawae mountain in Rangae district, Narathiwat province, on Thursday morning. Two ranger volunteers were killed and another one wounded by the bomb blast and gunfire. (Photo supplied/ Waedao Harai)
Soldiers inspect the scene of the attack in forest near Thawae mountain in Rangae district, Narathiwat province, on Thursday morning. Two ranger volunteers were killed and another one wounded by the bomb blast and gunfire. (Photo supplied/ Waedao Harai)

NARATHIWAT: Two ranger volunteers were killed and another one wounded by a bomb explosion and gunfire when their foot patrol was attacked in a mountainous forest area of Ra-ngae district on Thursday morning.

The 16-member patrol from the 45th ranger task force was ambushed near Thawae mountain in Ra-ngae district around 6.50am.

First, a bomb detonated as they moved along a track, then gunmen opened fire, using military rifles. The patrol members fired back and the attackers withdrew.

Two ranger volunteers were killed and one wounded in the clash, said Col Kriattisak Neewong, spokesman of the Region 4 Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command, 

Bahavee Masuesa was killed during the attack. Sornram Ratcharak sustained a serious wound and died shortly after. Thiwakorn Boon-ason was also wounded, but now out of danger, Col Kriattisak said.

Explosive ordnance disposal officers collected and examined the bomb debris and also found spent cartridge cases and bloodstains believed to have been left by the attackers.

Fourth Army chief Lt Gen Kriangkrai Srirak ordered increased security in the area.

He also expressed his regret at the loss of lives and injuries to the families of the ranger volunteers.

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