Gunmen Kill Volunteer Defense Officer in Yala, Steal AK-47 Rifle

Picture from responders.

A late-night ambush on December 19, claimed the life of a volunteer defense officer in Banang Sata District, Yala Province. The attackers, whose identities and numbers remain unknown, shot and killed Mr. Mato Per Ming, 50, an officer with the Village Protection Volunteer Corps (Chor Kor Tor) in Banang Sata, Yala, while he was riding his motorcycle along a village road near his base in Moo 2, Bajoh Subdistrict.

The incident occurred approximately 500 metres from the Bajoh Chor Kor Tor base. Following the initial gunfire, fellow officers responded with return fire, leading to a five-to-ten-minute shootout. The attackers, leveraging their knowledge of the area, managed to flee under the cover of darkness.

December 20, police led by Lt. Puriwat Methinpolsith of Banang Sata Police Station, along with administrative and paramilitary personnel, secured the crime scene. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and forensic experts were also dispatched to thoroughly examine the area.

Initial investigations revealed seven spent M-16 rifle cartridges scattered along the road. Additionally, the attackers seized Mr. Mato’s AK-47 assault rifle and its magazine during the incident.

Reports indicate that the victim was returning home from the Bajoh Chor Kor Tor base when the attackers, numbering at least 3-4 people, opened fire with assault rifles. Mr. Mato’s motorcycle crashed, and he died at the scene.

Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by insurgents active in Banang Sata and nearby districts. It is believed to be part of ongoing efforts by separatist groups to destabilise the region and assert their presence.

Investigations are ongoing, and security forces have intensified operations in the area to prevent further violence.

-- 2024-12-21