12 Thai policemen injured in latest attack in Yala

A group of armed men attacked the police control post in Krong Pinang here early today, causing injuries to at least 12 policemen.

Yala Police chief Maj Gen Kerissada Keawjandi said the attack at 1.15 am (local time) led to a 10-minute shoot out.

"The attack is believed to have been led by Ahamad Lebaesa and Abas Che Ali, the leader of Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) in the area," he told reporters here Monday.

He said the armed men were divided into several units of five to seven men before they launched the attack on the control post, which is located in the middle of Krong Pinang town, from different angles.

Kerissada said some of the men had even climbed up the roofs of nearby houses to fire their shots.

"They also hurled several pipe bombs at the control post, causing injuries to the policemen," he said.

The police chief said hundreds of bullet shells from M-16 and AK-17 rifles and five unexploded pipe bombs were found at the scene.

He said the suspects were believed to have cut down all trees in the area to prevent police and army units from sending help.

"They were also believed to have scattered nails and planted a bomb along the road to delay the delivery of help by the security team," he said.

The early morning attack followed another attack on Ranget Police Station in Narathiwat by a group of armed men, which claimed the life of a policeman and injuring five others, last week. - BERNAMA