The attack began when two soldiers, who were natives of a CIS country, opened fire on personnel of the unit. After killing 11 and injuring 15, they were killed by return fire.[5][6] The attack occurred at a military training ground. According to Readovka the soldiers who were killed, mostly volunteers preparing to be sent to Ukraine, were going through a fire training session when the shooting happened.[6] The Associated Press reported that the shooting happened during a military firing range.[3]