China attack: Urumqi SUV, bomb attack cause multiple elderly deaths

Check out our official website: http://us.tomonews.net/
Check out our Android app: http://goo.gl/PtT6VD
Check out our iOS app: http://bit.ly/1gO3z1f

----------------------------------------­----------------------------------------­----------------

At least 31 people were killed in an explosion at a busy market in Urumqi in China's restive Xinjiang region during the early hours on Thursday.

The attack targeted the market on Gongyuan North Street, a get-together spot for many Han Chinese living in the area. At around 7:50 a.m. two SUVs, both with triangular flags inscribed with Uighur script, drove into the crowd at the market.

A woman who refused to disclose her name told the Telegraph that at least four bombs were thrown from the vehicles, which ploughed into everyone in their paths.

Policemen arrived and shot at the cars but the assailants continued their attacks. One of the vehicles was engulfed in flames after exploding.

This latest episode of violence claimed the lives of 31 people and injured at least 90. Most of the victims were elderly people shopping for groceries in the early morning.

Chinese President Xi Jinping condemned the attack and vowed to continue China's security crackdown in Xinjiang to ensure peace in the region.

Today's incident was the third major attack in China since March. On April 40 a group of insurgents wearing white clothes detonated bombs outside the train station in Urumqi, killing three and injuring 79. The attack was considered a response to Xi's iron-fisted Xinjiang policies, as it was launched just after Xi left the city after a three-day visit.

Tension between Uighurs and Han Chinese in Xinjiang have been running high. Uighurs, who comprise about 45 percent of the population in Xinjiang, accuse Beijing of suppression their culture and colonising the territory by encouraging mass migration of Han Chinese to the region.

----------------------------------------­----------------------------------------­---------------