NARATHIWAT: Several checkpoints in Narathiwat were attacked by gunmen, a microwave tower set on fire and roads blocked by felled trees and burning tyres on Monday night.
A checkpoint near a bypass which leads to Chat Warin Waterfall in Narathiwat was attacked about 9.55pm while police were searching halted vehicles. Shots were also fired at a military checkpoint operated by the 4812 Rangers unit.
Another group armed with assault rifles exchanged shots for 20-minutes with a military patrol, and two M-79 grenades were fired at an army watch tower, but missed the target.
The attackers scattered nail spikes on the road 400 metres from the checkpoint before escaping.
Spent cartridges from M16 rifles and M-79 grenades were found at the scene. A blue tupperware container loaded with firecrackers was also exploded, probably as a decoy while they made their escape, officials said.
No soldiers, police or civilians were injured.
In Sungai Padi district car tyres were piled under a Dtac microwave tower and set ablaze. The tower was destroyed. Roads linking Sungai Kolok and Sungai Padi were also blocked by burning tyres and chopped-down trees.
