YALA – One suspect linked to the recent coordinated attacks on PTT petrol stations in Thailand’s Deep South was shot dead during a police siege in Yala on Tuesday, while others remained barricaded inside a house for hours. The operation followed intelligence that individuals involved in the January 11 bombings and arson attacks were hiding in a residence in Ban Po Yani, Muang district.

Bomb Attacks Target 11 PTT Stations in Thailand’s Deep South, Four Injured

According to Col. Yutthanam Petchmuang, spokesperson for Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4, security forces surrounded the house shortly after midnight and engaged in prolonged negotiations, urging the suspects—believed to be three in number—to surrender with the help of local leaders and loudspeaker appeals.

The standoff escalated around 3:50 a.m. when the suspects opened fire on police in an attempt to break out. Officers returned fire, and by mid-morning, one suspect was reported dead. He was later identified as 35-year-old Nasrullah Sama, described by ISOC as an operational-level member of a separatist group wanted on multiple violence-related charges in Yala.

One suspect in the PTT petrol station attacks was shot dead and others were trapped inside a house surrounded by police in Yala's Muang district on Tuesday.

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Conflicting reports emerged throughout the day, with some media outlets suggesting two fatalities or one escapee, though official confirmation was pending as the siege continued. ISOC emphasized that the operation was conducted with caution and in line with human rights principles.

Petrol pump at PTT service station in Yala torched

The January 11 attacks targeted 11 PTT stations across Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, injuring several people and intensifying security operations in the restive region. Authorities have identified at least five suspects in connection with the assaults.

-Thailand News (TN)