11 Dead After Attack On Russian Army Recruits

At least 11 people have been killed after an attack at a Russian military training ground on Saturday.

During a firearms training session, two men opened fire on a group who had volunteered to fight in Ukraine, state-owned news agency Ria reported.

The attackers were from a former Soviet republic, the Russian defence ministry said, but did not give further details.

A further 15 people were wounded.

“During a firearms training session with individuals who voluntarily expressed a desire to participate in the special military operation [against Ukraine], the terrorists opened fire with small arms on the personnel of the unit,” Ria cited a defence ministry statement as saying.

“As a result of the shooting, 11 people were fatally wounded. Another 15 people with wounds of varying severity were taken to a medical facility,” it said.

Last month Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the mobilisation of 300,000 Russians who had previously done compulsory military service.

The order sparked protests across Russia, with a surge of people attempting to leave the country.

BBC/Emmanuel Ukoh