5 Soldiers Killed in Terror Attack in Thailand

Five Thai soldiers were killed and at least six civilians injured after armed attackers stormed a military checkpoint in Thailand's southern Narathiwat province, authorities said.

The attack took place on Wednesday when around 10 gunmen opened fire on a Thai Rangers security checkpoint and hurled pipe bombs before fleeing the scene. Among the injured civilians was a 10-year-old boy.

Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command said the attackers stole three AK-47 rifles, three bulletproof vests and three mobile phones from the soldiers. Their getaway vehicle was later found abandoned and set ablaze about 21 kilometers from the attack site.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the assault, describing it as a "brazen act of terrorism" that poses a serious threat to Thailand's national security.

The attack comes amid a long-running insurgency in Thailand's Muslim-majority southern provinces, where separatist groups have fought for greater autonomy since 2004. The conflict has claimed more than 7,000 lives over the past two decades.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said recent months have seen a rise in attacks by what she described as a terrorist network targeting state officials and seeking to spread fear among the public.