The Narathiwat Task Force has rejected reports that troops fired an M16 rifle from a helicopter at a group of youths in Chanae district, saying personnel carried no weapons during the surveillance mission.
The unit issued the clarification after reports emerged that five youths were fired at from a helicopter by a “sergeant” while returning from a camping trip in tambon Chang Peuak.
One suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, with the bullet exiting through his hip.
The task force said the helicopter was deployed for surveillance and supporting ground operations after several violent incidents were reported across Narathiwat on the night of Aug 22.
Four personnel were on board — a pilot, co-pilot, staff officer and mechanic — and no weapons were taken aboard the aircraft, it said. None held the rank of sergeant, it added.
Regarding images of marks on the asphalt road circulating in the media, the task force said they were taken before forensic police examined the scene. It said unauthorised people entering the area could disturb the scene and affect evidence in the case.
Pornprasit Chantra, director of Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital, said on Wednesday the injured youth was safe.
Based on the size of the wound, the injury did not appear to have been caused by a high-powered weapon, but doctors could not determine what type of firearm caused it, he said.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Chalermpong Khongbua, secretary-general of Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Command, on Wednesday acknowledged possible intelligence gaps in handling the recent unrest.
He said cooperation among the military, police and civilian agencies remained strong, but authorities needed to build greater trust among local people and assure them they would be safe when providing information.
Asked what instructions the army commander had given after the latest wave of violence, Maj Gen Chalermpong said troops were told to review operational procedures and assess the strengths and weaknesses of both sides.
They were also instructed to identify any shortcomings in their operations while ensuring the safety and welfare of personnel, he added.
A total of 51 attacks were reported across the three southernmost provinces from 8pm on Aug 22. Narathiwat recorded 22 incidents, Pattani 11 and Yala 18.
Earlier, Fourth Army Area commander Lt Gen Norathip Phoynok said the incidents did not appear, overall, to have directly targeted civilians or officials, but were intended to create unrest and undermine the work of state agencies.