2 Japanese self-defense force members die during training

TOKYO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two members of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), both in their 20s, died Monday after going missing during a training exercise in Oita prefecture, southwestern Japan, Kyodo News reported.

The sergeants, assigned to a tank unit at Camp Kusu, were taking part in a reconnaissance infiltration drill at Hijudai Training Area when contact with them was lost. They were later found without vital signs and subsequently pronounced dead, according to the report.

The GSDF said it was launching an investigation to determine circumstances surrounding the incident. Enditem