[The Nation] A clash between Thai security forces and militants in Pattani's Ma Yor district resulted in three deaths - including that of suspected Runda Kumpulan Kecil commander Maruding Tahae. He was sought on nine charges including an attack in Ma Yor last July in which four soldiers were killed. The two other men killed were also militants, and were identified as Patah Lateh and Mahamasabri Dolloh. Two more militants, Abdulloh Salae and Sofri Jehha, were arrested.
A 100-man team from a police task force unit and an army ranger division rushed to the area early yesterday after a tip-off about militants there. The battle that broke out lasted from 9am until 1pm.
In related news, a national security source recently revealed that Pattani United Liberation Organisation (PULO) under the leadership of Gusturi Mahkota would arrange a meeting of "people who think differently from the Thai State" in Hamburg, Germany on January 24. Gusturi sent invitations to PULO members and those of other militant groups including the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, the Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani and the Gerakan Mujahidin Patani.
The "Unity Talk" - celebrating PULO's 47th anniversary - also aims to unite all groups, including two PULO factions known as the "Patani Liberation Army" led by Samsuding Khan and the "old PULO" group led by Kamae Usoh, in making demands during the ongoing Malaysia-facilitated peace talks.