Six marines wounded in South

Insurgents in Pattani yesterday launched an attack on a naval security outpost in Sai Buri district, in an attempt to draw a relief force into an ambush trap where a roadside bomb and gunfire wounded six marines.

Insurgents launched an attack with automatic weapons on the outpost for 10 minutes at around 6pm. The gunfight prompted calls for reinforcements.

However, about 600 metres from the outpost, the pickup truck carrying the 10 marines was blasted with a roadside bomb, which was followed by gunfire by the insurgents. The marines returned fire and repelled the attackers after a 10-minute gunfight. However, six of them, including the leader, suffered injuries.

Military sources said both attacks were likely carried out by insurgents active in areas between Ka Pho and Sai Buri districts, and Raman district in neighbouring Yala.