China police station attack leaves several dead in Xinjiang

Source: The Guardian

An assault on a Chinese police station in Xinjiang has left at least four people dead, the state media has reported, raising concerns about a fresh outbreak of violence in the restive far western region.

The confrontation in Hotan – near one of China's most important energy-producing areas – comes two years after the deadliest ethnic rioting in the country's recent history left at least 197 people dead.

Details of the police station attack are contested. The official Xinhua news agency said on Monday that "thugs" forced their way into the building, started fires and took hostages before security reinforcements killed several attackers in a gunfight that also claimed the lives of two civilians and two officers. "Six hostages were successfully rescued," it said, citing the ministry of public security.

Local police confirmed the report and said they were planning countermeasures. "It's true," an officer at Hotan police station said by phone. "We are all awaiting assignment." He declined to give his name or further details.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/18/china-police-station-attack-xinjiang

It is sad that civilians are killed. I hope this was an isolated incident and not related to separatist organizations.