A US Air Force base is on lockdown following an active shooter alert as officials respond to gunshots near the facility.
The frighting warning was issued on Tuesday morning at the Lackland Air Force Base in Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
"ACTIVE SHOOTER ALERT (REAL WORLD) – Security forces and local law enforcement are currently responding to reports of gunshots heard off-base in the vicinity of Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland AFB," JBSA said on Twitter.
It's unclear if anyone was injured by the reported gunshots.
All facilities in the Southwest area of Valley Hi and Truemper are also on lockdown, and people are urged to take cover, according to an email sent to employees obtained by local outlet KSTA News.
The lockdown orders come less than a week after five US Marines died in a fatal military aircraft crash on June 8.
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The aircraft, identified as an MV-22B Osprey, was based at Camp Pendleton with Marine Aircraft Group 39 and was part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
The MV-22B Osprey went down at around 12.25pm local time in Imperial County, a remote location about 30 miles north of the US-Mexico border.
"We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy," Commanding General of 3rd MAW Maj. Gen. Bradford K Gering said in a statement.
All of the men were assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd marine Aircraft Wing and were based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California.
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They have been identified as: Cpl Nathan E Carlson, 21, Captain Nicholas P Losapio, 31, Cpl Seth D Rasmuson, 21, Captain John J Sax, 33, and Lance Cpl Evan A Strickland, 19.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family,” said Lt Col John C Miller in a statement.
“This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families.
“Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time
We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
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