Security forces in Thailand have finally managed to neutralize a heavily armed and highly trained gunman who killed at least 30 people during a shooting rampage that lasted for nearly 17 hours.

“The police have killed the perpetrator and rescued eight hostages. Some were wounded,” a security source told Reuters on condition of anonymity pending an official press conference.

Also on rt.com Thailand shooting spree: What we know about the gunman & how events unfolded

"Thank you police and army for ending the situation. Shooter shot dead!!!" Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a post on Facebook. A total of 30 people were killed and 58 injured by the mass shooter before he was neutralized, health officials confirmed.

Thai security forces on Sunday killed a soldier after he carried out a shooting rampage that left at least 21 people dead in a shopping mall. pic.twitter.com/GId7c6NKEa — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) February 9, 2020

The suspect was identified as junior army officer Jakraphanth Thomma – a sniper and a shooting instructor in his unit, who had completed a special forces program. He started his carnage on Saturday afternoon by killing his commander and two fellow soldiers, before stealing weapons, ammunition and a Humvee from his military base.

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