Soldier opens fire on fellow troops, killing one and injuring two before shooting himself

WASIT — A soldier from Iraq’s Special Tactical Unit opened fire on three fellow service members during lunch Sunday at a security post in the town of Numaniyah, killing one and critically injuring two others before shooting himself, according to security and medical sources.

The gunman, who survived the self-inflicted gunshot wound, remains in critical condition. The deceased was identified as Warrant Officer Mishal Katoof, a resident of Al-Mufaqiyah, who was killed instantly at the scene.

The two injured personnel were transported to separate hospitals — one to Al-Zahraa Hospital and the other to Al-Karama Hospital — both in critical condition.

A security source told 964media the shooting followed a verbal altercation that began with an exchange of jokes. “The incident happened during lunch inside the post,” the source said. “There was a dispute that escalated after what started as casual joking among the personnel.”

The Special Tactical Unit is a specialized Iraqi security force typically operating under the Ministry of Interior or affiliated with elite police and counterterrorism units.

In response to the shooting, Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari ordered the formation of an investigative committee. “The Minister of Interior has directed the dispatch of an investigative committee to determine the details of the incident that occurred between personnel inside one of the tactical regiment posts in Numaniyah,” the ministry said in a statement.

Officials said further details would be released as the investigation continues.