Published on June 24, 2005
No one hurt as govt buildings targeted; tally of more than 100 blasts this year. Four bombs exploded simultaneously yesterday morning at government buildings in four districts in this strife-torn southern province.
The blasts caused minor structural damage to the buildings and destroyed several vehicles, but no casualties were reported.
Militants are believed to be behind the attacks. Mobile phones were used to trigger the home-made bombs at 10.55am. One of the bombs was planted inside the men’s toilet at the Yaha district office. A primary school located near the office cancelled classes as a precaution. A motorcycle bomb went off in the parking lot in front of the Raman district office, damaging 10 vehicles. The damaged vehicles belonged to temporary employees of the Southern Border Provinces Peace-building Command. The motorcycle carrying the bomb had no licence plate and was believed to have been left overnight in the parking lot. Another motorcycle bomb went off in the parking lot of the Bannang Sata district office, destroying six motorcycles and two sedans. A bomb was also planted in the women’s toilet at the Non-formal Education Office in Krong Pinang district. Excluding yesterday’s blasts, suspected militants have carried out 111 bomb attacks since January, including 48 mobile-phone detonations, security officials said in a report. Interior Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said security forces knew the identities of some of the bombers. “Authorities have been able to identify some bombers, but they have to proceed with caution in order to prevent reprisal attacks that would further fuel the cycle of violence,” he said. While talking to reporters, Chidchai telephoned Provincial Administration Department director-general Siva Saengmanee and told him to visit Yala. Siva is expected to supervise the tightening of security at government offices. Commenting on the spate of Buddhist beheadings in the region, Muslim Youths Association chairman Mimanase Sama-ali said insurgents wanted to increase the climate of fear in the deep South. “Beheadings are a step up from arson and shooting attacks, and local residents from all religious faiths are the real victims for being forced to live in fear and amongst such horror,” he said. Mimanase said he suspected the attacks were inspired by beheadings overseas. He urged authorities to try and quell the violence before the situation spiralled out of control. “If the authorities fail time and again to nab culprits, the violence will escalate beyond the possibility of a remedy and conciliation,” he said. The Nation YALA
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