Narathiwat: The Narathiwat Task Force has firmly denied allegations of a military helicopter being involved in the shooting of a civilian in Narathiwat Province. The Task Force made this statement while addressing the House Military Affairs Committee regarding an incident on August 22nd, where Mr. Saleh Doloh, 21, was injured in a shooting while riding a motorcycle in the Chang Phueak Subdistrict.
According to Thai News Agency, the Task Force emphasized that there was no gunfire from the helicopter during its reconnaissance patrol. The incident has prompted the House Military Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Mr. Ekkarach Udomamnuay, to call for stricter regulations on weaponry aboard helicopters, demanding records of weapon issuance, flight logs, and the identities of the four soldiers present during the patrol.
The Narathiwat Task Force clarified that the helicopter in question, an AH-550, was on a mission to transport the Minister of Defense and was not armed. The Task Force, which is not a combat unit, stated its mission includes surveillance, ground support, and intelligence gathering without carrying weapons. The operations conducted on August 22nd were confirmed to adhere to aviation safety regulations and protocols.
When questioned about the possibility of weapons on board during emergencies, the Task Force reiterated that their protocols strictly prohibit firearms on aircraft, stressing that their missions focus on reconnaissance and intelligence rather than combat. The pilots and mechanics are not equipped with weapons as their purpose is to gather and report information back to the task force's command center.
Colonel Ananat Damnong, Deputy Commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, also mentioned that on the same day, three individuals, including Mr. Saleh, were injured due to an explosion at a different location. The helipad used by the Task Force is considered a military-critical site, which is why its location and activities are kept confidential, lacking CCTV surveillance.
The House Military Affairs Committee emphasized the need for clear regulations to prevent misunderstandings among the public. Colonel Phaskorn Buranawanich from ISOC Region 4 assured that the command is ready to verify the facts as the case progresses through the judicial system. He expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the injury being caused by a helicopter, stating that a point-blank shooting from the aircraft was implausible.
Colonel Phaskorn further assured that if evidence proves otherwise, disciplinary and criminal actions would be taken against those responsible. He emphasized the commitment to ensuring justice and accountability within the military ranks, acknowledging past instances where soldiers were prosecuted for misconduct. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with the Task Force and ISOC Region 4 urging thorough scrutiny from the justice system.