Thai Troops Kill 112 in Repelling Muslim Attackers

Thursday, April 29, 2004

By Seth Mydans

New York Times Writer

"Most of the dead insurgents are youths of ages ranging from 15 to 20, but two of the leaders are aged about 50 and 60," said Lt. Gen. Proong Bunphandung, the chief of police for the south. Witnesses said the attackers, some of whom wore black or green outfits and red headbands, shouted "God is great!" and "We are ready to die for God!"

A firefight early Wednesday at a mosque near Pattani, in southern Thailand, caused villagers to scatter. The army said the mosque was being used as cover by Muslims who attacked police outposts in the area.

Image Credit: The New York Times

BANGKOK -- NYT
In the worst outbreak of violence in years of turmoil in Thailand's Muslim southern provinces, 112 people were killed Wednesday when scores of armed men raided as many as 15 police stations and security outposts, the government said.
Officials said the dead included 107 attackers, about 30 of whom were killed at the most revered mosque in the region, whose loudspeakers were used to call for a local uprising. Officials said the high toll was the result of good intelligence data that had allowed the government to bring in reinforcements and prepare for the attacks.

The government said five police officers and soldiers also died.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra blamed bandits and drug addicts, as he has in the past as dozens of police officers and local officials have been assassinated, scores of schoolhouses burned and bombs set at Buddhist temples.

But the defense minister, Chetta Thanajaro, said the attacks were carried out by Muslim separatists who may have received training abroad.

No group claimed responsibility and there was no evidence on Wednesday of a direct link to international terrorist groups. But the main terrorist group in southeast Asia, Jemaah Islamiyah, which is connected to Al Qaeda, has had a presence in Thailand.

(More: NYTimes.com / International)

2003 © The New York Times Company.

Dan