Fourth Army Area Commander Lt Gen Wiroj Buacharoon has ordered a tightening of security in the southern region after reports On April 28, 2004, more than 100 militants, the majority of them unarmed youths, launched attacks on 10 police outposts across Pattani, Yala and Songkhla provinces. Most were killed in the initial assault, but 32 survivors attempted to take refuge in the Krue Se mosque in Pattani province. Army forces stormed the mosque and killed all 32.
According to intelligence reports, more than 2,000 youths have allegedly been undergoing intensive physical training since last month, and are awaiting orders from their superiors.