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Fatal blasts hit Chinese province Fatal blasts hit Chinese province
(about 2 hours later)
At least two person have died after a series of explosions hit the north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang, state media has reported. At least two people have been killed and several hurt after a series of blasts hit the western Chinese province of Xinjiang, state media has reported.
It said sporadic gunfire was heard after the blasts, which occurred in the early hours in the town of Kuqa. It said gunfire was heard after the explosions, which occurred in the early hours in the southern Kuqa county.
Police have sealed off the area and troops have been deployed, Xinhua news agency said. At least four or five suspects were reportedly killed or injured but no further details were available.
Earlier this week, 16 Chinese policemen were killed in an attack on a border post in the province, Xinhua reported. Earlier this week, China said 16 policemen were killed in an attack by Islamist separatists in Xinjiang.
There was no immediate information on the targets of the attacks.
"There were several explosions in several places in Kuqa this morning," said a woman who was on duty at the Kuqa People's Hospital, quoted by the AP news agency.
She said several people were in critical condition.
Olympics threat
Xinjiang is home to many Muslim Uighur people.Xinjiang is home to many Muslim Uighur people.
Kuqa province itself is almost exclusively populated by Uighurs. Kuqa county itself is almost exclusively populated by Uighurs.
Uighur separatists in Xinjiang have waged a low-level campaign against Chinese rule for decades.Uighur separatists in Xinjiang have waged a low-level campaign against Chinese rule for decades.
The incident comes a day after the Olympic Games opened in Beijing, with a spectacular display of fireworks, music and dancing.The incident comes a day after the Olympic Games opened in Beijing, with a spectacular display of fireworks, music and dancing.
Human rights groups say Beijing is suppressing the rights of Uighurs.Human rights groups say Beijing is suppressing the rights of Uighurs.
Correspondents say China has spoken in the past of what it calls a terrorist threat from Muslim militants in Xinjiang, but it has provided little evidence to back up its claims.Correspondents say China has spoken in the past of what it calls a terrorist threat from Muslim militants in Xinjiang, but it has provided little evidence to back up its claims.