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US caution on travel in Xinjiang

The US government has cautioned citizens about travelling to Xinjiang after the recent violence in the western region, famous for its location on the old Silk Road.

Three violent incidents have been reported over a nine-day period. On Tuesday, a group of Uygur men killed three guards and wounded another at a road checkpoint near Kashgar . On Sunday, a series of bombings in Kuqa county resulted in 12 deaths, including 10 attackers.

And on August 4, two men used a vehicle, bombs and knives in an assault against police officers in Kashgar, killing 16 and wounding 16.

A 'warden message' sent by e-mail to US citizens living in China said people should 'carefully consider' travelling to the region.

'The embassy has no information that this violence is directed at US citizens. However, US citizens are advised to use caution if travelling to these areas,' the statement said.

It quoted the state news agency, Xinhua, for information about the attacks and referred to them as 'incidents of violence' with no reference to terrorism.

The statement also urged citizens travelling in China to register online or through the nearest diplomatic mission.

Some foreign travellers in Xinjiang have noted anti-American sentiment in light of US military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.

China has called the two bombing attacks terrorism, but has not said who might be responsible. The government has previously blamed such acts on separatist Muslim Uygurs.

Before the Olympics, a group calling itself the Turkestan Islamic Party warned of attacks on the Games.

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