S Korea reserve soldier goes on shooting spree, leaves 2 dead, 4 injured

South Korean army soldiers step down from a military post guard near the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Sunday, May 10 , 2015. North Korea said Saturday that it successfully test-fired a newly developed ballistic missile from a submarine in what would be the latest display of the country’s advancing military capabilities. Hours after the announcement, South Korean officials said the North fired three anti-ship cruise missiles into the sea off its east coast.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A South Korean reserve soldier went on a shooting spree Wednesday, killing a fellow reservist and injuring four others before killing himself, an army official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of office rules, said the military is investigating but had no other initial details. South Korean media carried similar reports.

Shootings at military barracks by soldiers have happened with some frequency in recent years, raising worries about bullying and mental health conditions in the country’s armed forces. But a shooting spree involving a reservist is unusual.

All able-bodied South Korean men must serve about two years of mandatory military service under a conscription system aimed at coping with threats from rival North Korea.

After finishing military duties, South Korean men are required to take annual military training involving shooting drills for several years

Source:: Indian Express