2 soldiers killed during drills in southwestern Japan

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Two soldiers were killed on Monday during military drills in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Oita, the Kyodo news agency reported on Monday.

The two sergeants were found without vital signs at the Hijudai Training Area after they failed to respond to a radio call. Both of them were confirmed dead.

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force said that it has launched an investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding their death.

It added that the two were taking part in a reconnaissance infiltration drill with a tank unit when they disappeared. They were members of a tank unit stationed at Camp Kusu.

During the exercise on Sunday, they were playing the role of enemies without carrying weapons.