Lockdown at US base in Japan lifted after reports of shots

Commander Ron Flanders, a spokesman for US Naval Forces Japan, "We have returned the base at Fleet Activities Sasebo to normal operations. All clear. No casualties. No evidence of a shooter."

Tokyo, Nov 3 A lockdown that was placed on a US Navy base in Japan on Thursday after a report of shots being fired in one of the base's building has been lifted, officials announced.

"All clear at Fleet Activities Sasebo. No evidence of a shooter. No casualties. Base has returned to normal operations," US Naval Forces Japan tweeted.

The US Fleet Activities Sasebo is a US Navy base located in Sasebo, on the island of Kyushu, ABC News reported.

Commander Ron Flanders, a spokesman for US Naval Forces Japan, "We have returned the base at Fleet Activities Sasebo to normal operations. All clear. No casualties. No evidence of a shooter."

Earlier in the morning, US Fleet Activities Sasebo posted on its Facebook page, "This is not a drill!!! On November 3, 2016 at 9:33 a.m. security received a report of gunshots heard inside building 141 (MCMRON). The building was evacuated."

The post continued, "Security and fire are on scene and have established a perimeter. Security is currently clearing the building, please stand by for further information. So far there are no reports of injuries. Please remain sheltered in place until further notice."

According to the website for the navy base, "The important bilateral relationship between Japan and the US that exists today is very much in evidence at US Fleet Activities Sasebo, where ships of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force and the US Seventh Fleet share this excellent port."

IANS