A Malaysian soldier died today after meeting with an accident in Lahad Datu.

Sabah Polis Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the accident happened when the lorry that was being driven by the soldier, lost control and skidded while he was on his way to the Cenderawasih town.

“The soldier sustained serious injuries and died in the Lahad Datu Hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamza confirmed that two Sulu gunmen were shot dead in a gun battle today morning in which a soldier was killed.

“In the battle, we believe that three Sulu gunmen were killed but only two bodies were found.

“We believe another man sustained injuries but managed to run away from the area,” said Hamza.

The 24-year-old soldier died after sustaining serious injuries on his cheeks after being shot.

In the mopping out and flushing operation in Sungai Nyamuk, Tanjung Baru today, the security forces engaged in a gun battle twice between 9am to 1.50pm.