YALA, Nov 6 (TNA) — A group of militants attacked a defence checkpoint in Lam Phaya sub-district of Yala provincial seat.
Eleven people were killed at the scene and four more died at Yala Hospital. The attackers made off with the officials’ weapons.
The attack happened when many defence volunteers were on duty at about 10.20pm on Tuesday. Rescue workers rushed to the scene in Ban Thung Sadao village but their three vehicles were damaged with road spikes while they were rushing injured victims to Yala Hospital. About four injured people were admitted there.
Security officials were trying to arrest attackers by closing nearby roads but to no avail. In the meantime, there were reports on burnt tyres and a road bombing in the vicinity to obstruct rescue operations.
Officials assumed at least 15 armed people attacked the checkpoint booth after walking into an adjacent rubber plantation. The attackers also stole shotguns and pistols from victims.
Officials found traces of blood and scarves on an escape route and believed the attackers were divided into groups that separately attacked the defence base, stole weapons, scattered road spikes and burnt tyres.
Local residents usually brought snacks to officials at the attacked checkpoint on Tuesdays. (TNA)
