Tak bai: The identities of six gunmen who attacked police in Tak Bai, resulting in the deaths of two officers, have been revealed as authorities connect them to a recent shooting at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint and a car bomb attack. The gunmen, who fled by boat to a neighboring country, have prompted a massive manhunt.
According to Thai News Agency, the shocking clash unfolded in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, when six armed assailants ambushed a police investigation team from Tak Bai Police Station. The attack led to the deaths of Sergeant Major Hamran Ha and Police Sergeant Major Witthaya Chaiphromkaew, with four other officers injured. The attack occurred during a reconnaissance mission at a hut in a palm plantation, where authorities later found numerous spent bullet casings, linking the attackers to the previous Bukeh Sami checkpoint incident.
Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects, who used M16 rifles in the assault. The attack site, located in Ban Bueng Chalam, Tambon Phai Wan, yielded critical evidence, including over 40 spent bullet casings. Three of the six perpetrators have been identified as wanted insurgents with multiple arrest warrants. They are suspected of being involved in previous violent incidents, including a car bomb attack at Tan Yong Police Station. After the attack, the suspects reportedly fled by boat to a neighboring country, utilizing Khlong Kubu as their escape route.
Throughout the night following the incident, top police officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Piyawat Chalermsri and Pol. Maj. Gen. Prayong Kotrasakha, convened at the Phaiwan Subdistrict Administrative Organization to strategize on tracking and apprehending the perpetrators. The operation involves a combined force of three security agencies surrounding the palm plantation to ensure the safety of local residents while avoiding the use of violence or heavy weaponry, as intelligence suggests villagers may still be inside the plantation.
Forensic investigations at the scene uncovered 24 M16 rifle shell casings, 21 9mm pistol casings, and one .32 caliber bullet casing, among other items. The perpetrators are believed to be linked to Mr. Arif, a fugitive wanted on drug charges, who has also been implicated in previous bombings targeting police and defense forces. Authorities have identified three suspects, Mr. Halhabib Chetu, Mr. Bakri Samae, and Mr. Abdulharem Chetu, all of whom have outstanding arrest warrants.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to enforce martial law and conduct raids in Chanae District, targeting the suspects' residences. The operation remains cautious, aimed at distinguishing between villagers and assailants, with a commitment to resolve the security situation before withdrawing forces.