'Missing soldier' behind Cape Verde barracks killings - Gov't

A missing soldier is suspected of killing 11 people on Tuesday at a military barracks in Cape Verde, the island’s government said.

“A soldier who is with the detachment is missing and there is a strong evidence that he is involved in the killings,” the Cape Verdean government said in a statement published on its website.

Police in the capital Praia found the 11 people shot dead on Tuesday afternoon.

11 people shot dead at military barracks in Cape Verde; airspace and airport closed down pic.twitter.com/L0tCGdOZo0

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The government said the eleven victims were males between the ages of 20 and 51.

“Eight of them were soldiers and the other three were civilians … Of the three civilians, two are Spanish technicians and a Cape Verdean working with them on the site,” it added.

Meanwhile, nine rifles and ammunition were recovered from a vehicle near the crime scene and the government is calling on the people to stay calm.

“The Government regrets this tragedy and will ensure that all the support and solidarity will be provided to the families of the victims,” the statement added.

Contrary to earlier media reports, the government clarified that the airports are operating normally and there were no shootings in the capital Praia nor any evidence leading the killings to drug trafficking.

“The authorities are taking all necessary measures to conduct a proper investigation into the case,” the statement concluded.

The Spanish foreign ministry has confirmed the death of two of its citizens in Cape Verde, the Spanish news agency EFE reported.