New Communist Party boss for Xinjiang ‘faces challenges’ in easing unrest
Deadly car bomb attack comes just months after Chen Quanguo takes over as regional boss
The latest eruption of violence in Xinjiang, which authorities say claimed five lives, comes just months after Chen Quanguo stepped into the role as Communist Party chief for the troubled region.
Chen earned a reputation as a hardliner in his previous job overseeing Tibet, and although there is no indication the attack is linked with the new administration, observers warn the region could face greater uncertainties under the policies that Chen adopts.
According to the news portal of the Xinjiang government, a car carrying several terrorists crashed into the yard of the office building of the local Communist Party committee in Karakax county at 4.50pm on Wednesday.
Police shot and killed the three attackers, who were wielding knives and managed to detonate a home-made explosive, Xinhua reported, quoting the Ministry of Public Security. An official and a security worker were also killed and three others injured, it said.
The local government had earlier said four attackers were involved. Social order had been restored, Xinhua reported, without identifying the attackers.