Plane hijack attempt fails in western China region
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 June 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Plane hijack attempt fails in western China region, 29 June 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ff6aa5223.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 29.06.2012 13:11
Chinese media report that passengers and crew on a plane in China's far-western region of Xinjiang have foiled a hijacking attempt.
The Xinhua news agency reported that seven passengers, two guards, and a senior flight attendant were injured in a struggle with the hijackers, who were said to number six.
The Tianshan news portal said the attempt to seize control of the aircraft was made minutes after the plane took off on June 29 from Hotan, bound for the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi.
The regional government news site said the six suspects were detained by police after the plane returned safely to Hotan. No further details about the suspects were given.
Hotan has been the site of recent clashes between ethnic Uyghur Muslims and authorities.
Uyghurs say Chinese authorities are seeking to marginalize their existence by supporting the migration of millions of Han Chinese to their territory.
The government says it faces an organized terrorist threat from Muslim groups in the region.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
