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Seven killed in Texas military base shooting

WASHINGTON: Armed gunmen on Thursday killed seven people and wounded at least 12 others in a rampage at Fort Hood military base in Texas, US media and officials said.

One gunman was in custody, but another remained on the loose on the sprawling base in Killeen, Texas, MSNBC television reported, adding the shooter at large was believed to have a high-powered sniper rifle. It said there was also speculation that there were possibly three gunmen.

Local congressman John Carter confirmed on MSNBC there had been a shooting at the base, saying the gunfire had erupted during a graduation ceremony in the soldier readiness centre. He could not confirm reports of injuries.

Fort Hood is the largest US military base in the world and had been working to rehabilitate many soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, Carter said.

Army personnel told a Fox news affiliate they were not sure if the victims were civilians or military personnel.

A message on Fort Hood’s website said it was closed, but gave no further details. “Fort Hood is closed effective immediately. Organisations/units are instructed to execute a 100 percent accountability of all personnel. This is not a drill,” the website said. afp

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