11-6-2023 (HANOI) Multiple casualties were reported in shootings that took place at two police headquarters in Vietnam’s Central Highlands on Sunday (Jun 11), according to authorities.
The ministry of public security’s website stated that six individuals have been arrested in connection with the shootings in Cu Kuin district of Dak Lak province. The website also mentioned ongoing investigations to identify any additional suspects involved.
The attacks occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the police headquarters of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communes. While the exact number of casualties was not provided, it was confirmed that police officers, local officials, and civilians were among the victims.
At present, the police have not commented further on the incident, and attempts to reach them for additional information have been unsuccessful.
The Central Highlands region, home to various ethnic minorities, has long been regarded as a sensitive area by Vietnam’s authoritarian government. It has been a focal point of discontentment, particularly regarding issues such as land rights.
During Vietnam’s prolonged war, some tribes in the area, collectively known as Montagnards, aligned themselves with the US-supported southern faction. While some seek greater autonomy, others abroad advocate for the region’s independence.
Earlier on Sunday, several state media outlets retracted their initial reports about the incident before later republishing them.
Gun violence is extremely rare in Vietnam, where civilian firearm ownership is illegal, and the black market for weapons is limited.
In January 2020, four individuals were shot and killed at an illegal cockfighting betting ring on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.
Another rare shooting incident occurred in 2016, when a colleague fatally shot two senior officials at their office in northern Yen Bai province before turning the gun on himself.
