Insurgents attack police outpost in Pattani, killing 3 officers

PATTANI, July 20 (TNA) - Three police officers were killed and two others were wounded Thursday when insurgents attacked a police station in the southern Thail province of Pattani.

An estimated 15 insurgents in camouflages uniforms carried by pick-up truck besieged the Troh-born police outpost in Sai Buri district at about 1.00am and opened fire on the police station, before the police returned fire.

After a 20-minute exchange of gunfire, three police officers--Pol. Sr. Sgt-Maj. Danai Hayijehso, Pol. Cpl. Ding Yuso and Pol Cpl. Somjai Chokchaung---were found dead at the scene, and two officers--Pol.Sr.Sgt-Maj. Apichart Saengpratheep, and Pol. Sgt. Anucha Bunyanon were wounded and later taken to Sai Buri hospital.

One insurgent was killed, while the others fled the scene by taking four motorcycles parked at the police station, leaving their truck behind.

The insurgents also placed a bomb at the police station, but it was defused by the demolitions squad of the patrol police before it exploded.

TNA