The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front explained the law enforcement process from mild to severe measures, resulting in the fatal shooting of a militant after he fired at officers. The incident occurred at a rented house in Yala, where the suspect was found to have outstanding arrest warrants and is believed to be involved in a gas station bombing as well.
On 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Colonel Yutthanam Phetmuang, spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front, reported on law enforcement progress in Sateng Nok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yala Province. He stated that the operation began around 00:20 after officers received tips from locals about suspicious individuals sheltering in the Paoyani area.
The Yala Special Operations Unit joined forces with the Southern Border Provinces Police, Yala Task Force, Yala Provincial Police, and the Security and Special Investigation Unit to inspect the house. They applied measures from mild to severe in accordance with human rights principles, inviting local leaders to negotiate for occupants to surrender. However, at 03:50, the suspect fired an unidentified rifle at officers to escape, leading to a clash.
Following investigation at the scene, one fatality was confirmed: Nasrulah Sama. Records show he was subject to three arrest warrants under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Additionally, the deceased was linked to a group that planted bombs at gas stations, according to intelligence, and was involved in long-range shootings targeting police officers in Mueang District, Yala, on 23 Dec 2025, as well as attacks on the Special Operations Unit base on 28 Dec 2025.
Colonel Yutthanam added that Lieutenant General Norathip Phoinok, Commander of the 4th Army Region and Director of Internal Security Operations Region 4, was informed of the incident and expressed condolences to the deceased’s family. He emphasized that all steps in the operation were carefully executed, focusing on negotiation under human rights principles from mild to severe measures to avoid casualties. However, because the suspect opened fire to escape, self-defense response was necessary.
The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front stated that throughout all law enforcement actions, including this one, security personnel apply measures from mild to severe, negotiating for violent individuals to surrender and face justice. All procedures are lawful, transparent, verifiable, and strictly respect human rights. The clear intent is to bring offenders into the legal process properly and prevent them from causing distress to innocent civilians.
The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front urges the public to report any suspicious persons or unusual movements at any time via the 24-hour hotline to the 4th Army Region Commander / Director of Internal Security Operations Region 4 at 061-1732999, the Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command hotline 1341, or the nearest task force unit.
They also inform that anyone aiding offenders, whether by transporting, hiding, sheltering, or supplying food, is committing an offense under Criminal Code Section 189, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.