Suspected insurgents surrender in Thailand's south
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Officials say about 100 suspected insurgents have surrendered to authorities in Thailand's restive south, including the alleged leader of a 2004 attack that reignited longstanding violence in the region.
Army regional commander Lt. Gen. Udomchai Thammasaroratch says the group surrendered Tuesday and told authorities they wanted to stop fighting. They included Wae-ali Copter Waji, who allegedly led an attack on an army base in 2004 in which weapons were stolen and four soldiers were killed. A $32,000 reward had been offered for his arrest.
Udomchai said those insurgents who committed crimes will be prosecuted, while others will be rehabilitated and allowed to return to peaceful lives with their families.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}More than 5,000 people have been killed since the Islamist insurgency flared in 2004.