THREE SUSPECTED MILITANTS GUNNED DOWN IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

BANGKOK, June 2 (Bernama) -- Three suspected militants were killed during a
gun battle with troops at Budo Mountain, Bachok, Narathiwat, Thursday.

Narathiwat police spokesman said authorities found two M16 assault rifles,
10 grenades, a shotgun and some ammunition at the scene.

He said soldiers went to the suspected militants' hideout at the mountain at
about 2pm (Malaysian time: 3pm).

The three, all men, were killed at the scene and their identities have yet
to be released.

More than 4,000 people have died since suspected militants resumed their
armed campaign to seek independence for the three southern provinces –
Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani seven years ago.