Soldier’s nervous breakdown causes panic in Reyhanlı

HATAY – Doğan News Agency

The soldier was brought under control after two-hour long efforts, before being taken to hospital in Antakya. DHA photo

A soldier in Hatay’s Reyhanlı district caused panic in the district when he began shooting at random after having a nervous breakdown yesterday.

The soldier, whose name was withheld by the Turkish Army, had left the outpost at which he was assigned to stand guard at 6:30 p.m., armed with a G-3 rifle.

The soldier reportedly began walking through Antakya city center before opening fire in all directions, apparently without targeting specific places or people.

Security forces immediately closed the linked roads to traffic and tried to convince the soldier to leave his arm and three full charges.

The soldier was brought under control after two-hour long efforts, before being taken to hospital in Antakya.
 
Reyhanlı had witnessed a big tragedy on May 11 when two cars exploded in the district’s crowded central area and killed 52 civilians.