The National Human Rights Commission today issued a statement condemning southern insurgents for their brutal attack on a village defence volunteer unit in Yala’s Muang district on Tuesday evening, resulting in the deaths of 15 innocent people.

An unknown number of insurgents approached the outpost on foot under the cover of darkness and opened fire with assault rifles, killing 11 volunteers on the spot.  Four of the injured died later in hospital.

“We strongly condemn this violence, which caused the deaths of innocent civilians and volunteers.  This was a brutal act in violation of the principle of human rights and the ethical principles of all religions,” said the NHRC in its statement, adding that there were women among the dead.

The NHRC offered moral support to people and officials in the restive Deep South and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.  It also called on security officials to increase security in public places to ensure safety for the people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Army Commander-in-Chief General Apirat Kongsompong today expressed their condolences to the families of the 15 village defence volunteer killed in the raid.

The Prime Minister also ordered officials to help take care of the victims’ families and security forces to track down the insurgents to bring them to justice.

Meanwhile, General Apirat has instructed the commander of the southern Fourth Army Region to take steps to strengthen and support village defence volunteer units, which are regarded as soft targets because they are poorly trained and ill-equipped.