Civilians killed in Thai attacks

Suspected Muslim insurgents have killed nine civilians in a flurry of attacks in southern Thailand, the Thai army said today, the fifth anniversary of a bloody assault by security forces against militants at a mosque.

In the worst incident, at least six gunmen in a pick-up truck stormed into a house in Yala province late last night, opening fire on a Muslim family of five, an army spokesman said. Four people including a 16-year-old girl were killed. A 13-year-old girl was injured.