Five soldiers killed in gun and pipe bomb attack at Thailand security checkpoint

Five soldiers were killed after armed assailants launched a coordinated attack involving gunfire and pipe bombs on a security checkpoint in Thailand's southern Narathiwat province, prompting a large-scale manhunt and renewed security measures in the conflict-hit region.

Attack targets security checkpoint in Narathiwat

Five soldiers lost their lives after armed attackers opened fire and hurled pipe bombs at a security checkpoint in Thailand's southern Narathiwat province, the Royal Army's Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) said on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Center of the ISOC Region 4 Forward Command, the attack took place on the evening of July 22 at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint in the Tanjong Mas Subdistrict Municipality area of Ra-ngae district. Personnel from the 45th Ranger Forces Regiment were on security duty when they came under attack.

The soldiers killed were identified as Sergeant Major First Class Teerayut Somakerd, Ranger Volunteer Wimol Dabthong, Ranger Volunteer Nattasit Kaewsena, Ranger Volunteer Solahuding Pi and Ranger Volunteer Zakariya Je-na.

Expressing condolences, the ISOC Region 4 Forward Command said the fallen personnel "made the ultimate sacrifice" while serving to protect the lives and property of people in Thailand's southern border provinces.

Burnt getaway vehicle found as investigation intensifies

Authorities launched an operation to track the attackers soon after the assault and later located a vehicle believed to have been used in the attack in Si Sakhon district of Narathiwat province.

"The vehicle was found burned by the assailants in an attempt to destroy evidence," ISOC said in an update on the incident.

Officials conducted forensic examinations at both the attack site and the location where the burnt vehicle was recovered, collecting evidence to help identify those responsible and support future prosecutions.

Security stepped up amid ongoing separatist violence

Authorities said agencies are working together to apprehend those behind the attack while strengthening security across the area.

"All relevant agencies continue to coordinate their efforts to track down the assailants while enhancing security measures in the area to ensure public safety and confidence," the command said.

Reaffirming its resolve, the ISOC Command added, "The command affirms its commitment to accelerating efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice."

Thailand's southern border provinces, including Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, have witnessed years of separatist-related violence, with both security personnel and civilians frequently targeted in attacks.

(With inputs from ANI)