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July 29, 2008
Muslim Terrorist Group Threaten Safety of 29th Olympic Games
In a video statement, a Muslim separatist group, claiming to represent the Turkestan Islamic Party, confessed to being responsible for a series of fatal explosions in several Chinese cities and have threatened the Olympic Games, due to begin August 8.
So far the groups boast of previous terrorist activities have proved to be unfounded, as the incidents mentioned had nothing to do with terrorism, stated head of Wenzhou municipal public security bureau.
However, Chinese authorities have alleged that extremists from the restive northwestern region of Xinjiang - known as East Turkestan were targeting the Olympics. They claim that they have unearthed a plot to attack a football venue in Shanghai and have broken up 12 terrorist groups in Xinjiang. Since then they have boosted security by stationing a 100,000 anti-terrorist force in Beijing and have installed explosive detectors at airports in Xinjiang.
On the video, the groups leader, Commander Seyfullah, stated that "Despite...repeated warnings...to (stop) the 29th Olympics in Beijing...the Turkestan Islamic Party volunteers who have gone through special preparations have started urgent actions...Our aim is to target the most critical points related to the Olympics." He also urged Muslim spectators not to attend the games, "Please do not stand together with the faithless people."
The Minister of Public Security said that already they have thwarted two plots to kidnap athletes, journalists and visitors to the Olympics Games and to blow up hotels, government offices and military targets in Shanghai, Beijing and other cities.