Japanese military trainee kills 2 soldiers at shooting range

ISTANBUL

At least two Japanese soldiers were killed on Wednesday while another was injured after a trainee opened fire during a military exercise, local news reported.

The slain soldiers, aged 25 and 52, belonged to Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF).

Police said the 18-year-old trainee, who was subsequently arrested for murder, shot at the soldiers at an SDF firing range in the central province of Gifu, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

The injured soldier, also 25, was transported to hospital for treatment after the incident at around 9.30 a.m. (0030GMT).

Police said the trainee has "admitted to the shooting."