Yala: In the case of the three-party security forces surrounding and attempting to apprehend suspects responsible for the bombing and arson of a gas station in Yala province, who were hiding in the Ban Po Yani area from midnight into the morning, the situation remains tight. Negotiations have failed, and the suspects have engaged in gunfire to escape.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident, which began around 12:30 AM, involved a joint operation by a special operations unit in Yala province, the Yala Task Force, and the Yala Provincial Police. They surrounded a target house in Ban Po Yani, Sateng Nok subdistrict, Mueang Yala district, to apprehend a group of insurgents who had previously carried out bombings and arson attacks on 11 gas stations in Mueang Yala district on January 11th. Authorities had received intelligence that 3-4 individuals were hiding in the house.

In this operation, law enforcement officers followed a graduated approach, from mild to severe measures. Initial negotiations took place until 3:50 AM, when the suspects hiding opened fire on the officers, forcing them to return fire in self-defense and to maintain security in the area.

The law enforcement siege continued until dawn to pressure the suspects. Religious leaders were brought in to persuade them to surrender, but to no avail. The suspects continued to exchange fire intermittently. Most recently, Colonel Yuthanam Phetmuang, spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward, confirmed that the group hiding there is the same group responsible for the bombings and arson of the gas station. Intelligence in the area believes the group is led by Mr. Adil and Mr. Nassullah.

However, due to the continued siege and pressure, the suspects have been found to have fled the area. Authorities are currently maintaining a cordon and strictly enforcing the law to control the situation. The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command requests the cooperation of the public; if you witness anything suspicious, please report it to the hotline 1341 or to the provincial task force in your area, 24 hours a day. Furthermore, a warning is issued to those who support the crime, whether through transportation, concealment, shelter, food supplies, or any other form of assistance; such actions are punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.