Thai Sergeant Shoots: More than 20 People Killed, Dozens Taken Hostage
The death toll in the shooting has now risen to 21 people killed and more than 30 injured, 10 of whom are in critical condition.
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| Image of suspect Jakrapanth Thomma posted on his personal Facebook page when he carried out the shooting at Terminal 21 shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima city, Thailand on February 8, 2020. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
Early on February 9, the Thai Ministry of Health announced that a member of the security forces was killed while capturing a shooting suspect who was holed up at the Terminal 21 shopping mall in Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima province.
The death toll in the incident has now risen to 21 people killed and more than 30 injured, 10 of whom are in critical condition.
Two other members of the security forces were injured, Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added.
According to Reuters news agency, gunfire is still being heard from inside the Terminal 21 shopping mall.
Earlier, on the night of February 8, Thai forces raided and rescued hundreds of people from this shopping center. Thai police announced that 16 people were still being held hostage, but the situation has not been confirmed yet. Thai forces have taken control of all floors above the G floor in the shopping center.
The suspected shooter was identified as Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, 32, of the Surathampithak Base. He is believed to have had a conflict with the slain female commander, who was later identified as Colonel Anantharot Krasae, 48.
Two people were killed at the Surathampithak Base, a 63-year-old woman and another soldier./.
