Copyright: TVB Pearl News, Ms. Sonya Artero
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6bpPY83iWU&t=2s
{O/C} Mainland authorities have identified five suspects in connection with the deadly terrorist attack in Urumqi on Thursday.
Officials are taking aggressive steps to try to stamp out terrorism altogether.
{SOT}
At least 39 people were killed in the bombing in Urumqi in Xinjiang, and more than 90 others were injured.
Witnesses say the assailants hurled explosives from two SUVs as they sped through a packed vegetable market, mowing down customers and market stalls.
After investigating the case, mainland authorities identified a total of five suspects, four of which were killed carrying out the bombing while the fifth was captured by police.
Judging by their names, they all appear to be Uighur.
The police report states that at the end of 2013, the suspects formed a five-member terrorist gang and after choosing a target, they began making explosives to carry out their attack.
It also states the five were influenced by religious extremism. This included taking part in illegal religious activities and watching violent terrorist video and audio materials.
Because Thursday's bombing was the second major attack in Urumqi in three weeks, China's public security minister launched a one-year campaign aimed at fighting terrorism in Xinjiang.
Guo Shengkun urged both army and police forces to prepare to fight a people's war against terrorist violence. He also called on residents to expose any known terrorists.
And in the capital, authorities have beefed up security at the Beijing subway system. Passengers now face checks at more stations.
Anti-terrorist drills have been already held in Beijing over the past month.
Authorities here in Hong Kong are also on high alert.
{Soundbite} ANDY TSANG, Commissioner of Police: At the moment, the terrorist threat in Hong Kong remains at a moderate level. But in view of what's happening in Mainland China, obviously we will review what needs to be done. And indeed, if additional measures are needed, then they will be taken.
The police chief assures the public Hong Kong is prepared to handle such threats.
Sonya Artero TVB news.
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