At least five paramilitary troops were killed and five villagers injured in an ambush at a security checkpoint in southern Thailand late Wednesday, the army said.

Axar.az reports, citing Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred in Ra-ngae district of southern Narathiwat province when six attackers dressed in black opened fire and threw pipe bombs at the checkpoint. The post was operated by a Ranger Company.

The five personnel died at the scene, whereas the attackers managed to flee and emergency teams transported the injured to hospitals.

Security personnel sealed off the checkpoint and the surrounding area, and launched an operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.