Insurgent attack in South Thailand injures 24
Monday, October 19, 2009
The city of Yala, Thailand was hit by a bomb attack this morning in a fresh food market wounding 24, including three soldiers. One injured soldier is said to be in a serious condition.
The bomb was hidden in a motorcycle and detonated via remote. The police believe the bomb contained between seven and ten kilograms of explosives. Two men were witnessed parking the bike; police had checked the vehicle without detecting the bomb. It is suspected the bomb may have been detonated using a mobile phone.
This particular area of the city has been a target of local insurgents in the past; four attacks have occurred nearby and the implementation of new security measures is under consideration. These may include a prohibition on parking vehicles in front of the market, and introduction of closed-circuit television in the area.
The explosion occurred around 7:30 am local time (00.30 UTC). A range of civilians were injured in addition to members of the military; the attack is being blamed on insurgent members of the Malay-Muslim majority in southern Thailand.
Related news
- "40 injured after attacks in Thailand" — Wikinews, October 7, 2009
Sources
- "Bomb blast wounds 24 in Yala" — Bangkok Post, October 19, 2009
- "Bomb blast in Thailand, 24 wounded" — Times of India, October 19, 2009
- "Blast hits south Thailand market" — News Asia Pacific, October 19, 2009