Thailand Hunts Attackers After Checkpoint Ambush Kills Five Rangers

Thai authorities launched a manhunt Thursday after gunmen opened fire and threw pipe bombs at a security checkpoint in Narathiwat province on Wednesday evening, killing five paramilitary rangers. Security forces found the attackers' pickup abandoned and burned about 21 kilometers from the scene, while checkpoints and patrols were reinforced across the area. Two reports said about 10 attackers wounded six civilians, including young children; a local account listed six attackers and five civilian injuries. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the assault as terrorism and a serious threat to national security.