Yala:In a concerning development in Yala province, gunmen have set fire to road construction vehicles in Bannang Sata district. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for a recent police shootout in the Thanto district.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred yesterday night when unknown assailants targeted a road construction site in Ban Da Lae Pae, located in the Khuean Bang Lang Subdistrict. The perpetrators set fire to seven vehicles, including a road roller and a truck, which were damaged in the attack. Authorities have since cordoned off the area and are conducting an investigation to apprehend those responsible.
Initial reports suggest the vehicles belonged to a private company contracted for road construction in the area. The village headman had been tasked with overseeing security. The attack happened while the villagers were asleep, with the assailants dousing the vehicles with gasoline and igniting them. Villagers managed to control the fire using various tools, although significant damage was reported to three vehicles.
Security officials suspect the attack was a retaliatory act following a police operation in Thanto district, where suspects were killed. Investigations are ongoing, with a focus on collecting evidence and ensuring the area is secure. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, along with forensic officers, is expected to conduct a thorough examination of the site.
In a related incident, a CCTV camera in Thanto district was set ablaze, suspected to be a tactic to lure officers to a potential bombing site. The 44th Border Patrol Police Task Force has increased caution and is using drones to survey the area for further threats.