Nine dead in Fiji as army tracks mutineers

8:00 AM - Herald Online staff

Nine soldiers are reported dead following an attempted mutiny at military headquarters in the capital of Fiji, Suva.

About 40 members of Fiji's Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW) attempted to take over the Queen Elizabeth Barracks yesterday afternoon. The mutineers were apparently angered by a military investigation into their involvement in the May 19 attempted coup led by George Speight.

A local journalist told Radio New Zealand this morning that 6 members of the unit were killed during a battle inside the barracks. He said three soldiers loyal to the military commander had also died.

About 17 rebels, and 7 civilians hit by stray bullets, were being treated at Suva's main hospital.

The army regained control of the barracks late last evening, but about 20 heavily armed mutineers remain at large.

Residents of Fiji's Central Division have been told to stay indoors while the hunt for the rebels continues.

Fiji's military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, fled the barracks yesterday afternoon after his bodyguard was shot. Latest reports indicate the commander has retained control of the armed forces.