Gokarnas’ population has plummeted to just over one-third of its pre-war levels, but residents are worried about security after an army unit raided the dormitory in the capital city on Saturday, killing three people and injuring eight others.

The attack happened when security forces, who were searching for suspected drug dealers, came across the dormitories office and took up arms, said the mayor of the region, Yantaru Raga.

Police spokesman Andres Lopes said they believe the soldiers had entered the dorms through the entrance in the evening.

He said it was unclear what led to the raid but said the police were not involved.

“We have received reports that the soldiers opened fire at least twice,” Lopes told AFP news agency.

“We don’t have the information about how many people were killed.”

The incident comes as a group of students from the region have been barred from attending university due to concerns about safety.

Some of the students are planning to attend an international university in Brazil, according to the student federation.

They are not among the 43 students who were denied access to classes.