FOUR KILLED, FOUR M-16s SEIZED, IN SOUTH

By Jamaluddin Muhammad

BANGKOK, Feb 12 (Bernama) -– Two insurgents, a policeman and a housewife were killed in four separate incidents in the South Friday.

Four M-16s were seized during the incidents which occurred in Narathiwat and Patani.

In the first incident, Hunter 46 Ranger Regiment Commander Colonel Phaisarn Noosang said an insurgent, identified as Harong Ha, was killed during a crossfire between rangers and militants at the Buodo Mountain located between Yee Ngor district and Bajor district in Narathiwat.

He said early Friday, a group of militants went to a village near the mountain and asked for food from villagers.

The villagers later informed the rangers about the incident which led them to locate the militants at the mountain at 6.15am.

"Following a 20-minute crossfire, we found the dead militant (Harong) and seized three M-16 assault rifles," said Phaisarn, adding that the other militants escaped.

In the second incident, Narathiwat Governor Thanon Wetchakornkanont said a male insurgent was killed during a gunbattle with troops at Ruesor district in Narathiwat.

Authorities also seized an M-16 assault rifle at the scene, he said without providing details.

Meanwhile, a Narathiwat police spokesman said a policeman, Sergeant Kittisak Singdam, was shot dead by militants in front of the Darul Iman Mosque at Yee Ngor district, Narathiwat.

The shooting occurred at 12.50pm as four militants were riding two
motorcycles and fired at the victim's head and body.

Later, housewife Zakini Samaa, 34, was shot by a gunman in front of her house at Manang Dalam, Saiburi in Patani Friday.

"She was holding her baby when she was shot. The baby escaped unhurt," said a Pattani police spokesman without providing details.