Motorcycle Bomb Explodes Outside Security Post, Injuring Seven

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders.

 

A motorcycle bomb exploded outside a paramilitary ranger post in Waeng district, Narathiwat province, injuring seven people, including security personnel and local residents. The blast caused significant damage to the building’s structure and several parked motorcycles.

 

At approximately 19:00 on 14 February Police Colonel Heraman Chedee, Superintendent of Waeng Police Station, received a report of an explosion near the perimeter wall of the Volunteer Defence Corps Company. The attack took place 700 metres from Waeng Police Station. Officers and military personnel were immediately deployed to secure the area and assist the wounded.

 

The force of the explosion destroyed a section of the perimeter wall and damaged several security personnel’s motorcycles. Parts of the building’s structure were also impacted by the blast.

 

Emergency responders transported seven injured individuals to Waeng Hospital. Among them were three Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) officers:

 

• VDC Officer Muhamad Daniel Rusman

• VDC Officer Anyan Awae

• VDC Officer Mahusen Kariya

 

Four civilians were also injured:

 

• Asman Porsa

• Pathavee Suwanchailert

• Weena Suwanchailert

• Pranee Chanphet

 

Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by militants operating in the region. Earlier in the day, threatening messages targeting security forces had been painted on roads in Pattani province, warning officers to resign from their posts. Officials believe the explosion in Waeng was linked to these threats.

 

Security forces are investigating the attack and have increased patrols in the area to prevent further incidents.

 

 
 

In an Earlier Attack Militants Throw Grenade at Security Forces in Narathiwat, but Attack Fails

 

A grenade attack on a local security outpost in Narathiwat province failed during the night of 13 February, after the explosive landed on the roof of a dormitory instead of hitting its intended target. The blast damaged several vehicles but, fortunately, caused no injuries.

 

At around 19:55, two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at the Tambon Protection Unit (Chor Kor Tor) base in Manang Tayor subdistrict. However, the grenade missed the target and landed on the roof of the dormitory before falling onto a parked Isuzu pickup truck, where it detonated. The explosion damaged the truck, three nearby motorcycles, and the dormitory’s walls, but no personnel were harmed.

 

Authorities from Muang Narathiwat Police Station, explosive ordnance disposal units, and forensic investigators arrived at the scene on the morning of 14 February to assess the damage. They discovered grenade shrapnel scattered around the area, a trigger from the explosive, and a large impact hole near the truck’s front left tyre.

 

According to an initial investigation, the attackers had approached the outpost from Rangae district and parked near the local health promotion hospital adjacent to the security base. As officers gathered inside the outpost for a routine assembly, one of the attackers dismounted and hurled the grenade towards them. However, the grenade struck the dormitory roof instead, causing an unintended detonation with the ground. The suspects immediately fled the scene, riding their motorcycle against traffic to escape.

 

Security officials believe the attack was carried out by insurgents who have recently shifted tactics, replacing traditional pipe bombs with hand grenades. These smaller explosives are easier to conceal and transport, making them more difficult for authorities to detect.

 

Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

-- 2025-02-15