Direct pressure choking insurgents

A soldier walks through an area where suspects are detained

Commander of the Yala Provincial Police, Pol Colonel Poompet Pipatpetpoom, said such a "direct pressure has denies the insurgents their breathing space."

Moreover, Poompet also claimed that many of the people detained, as well as local residents, have turned to the government's side and has begun to provide us with intelligence information about the insurgents' activities.

The operation was carried out by combined forces of hundreds of soldiers and police two weeks ago.

Poompet's claim, however, contradicted that of other security officials who pointed out that the insurgents have fled the areas since day one of the operation.

Moreover, a local resident said many of the 250plus people arrested in Narathiwat's Sungai Padi and other districts nearby were elderly men, as well as young people who were not involved in the insurgency.

Poompet said the combined forces demonstrated that the security agencies in the restive region are united. Critics said the agencies often compete among themselves and have little consideration towards national agenda.