Background
The year of 2014 saw an increase in the intensity of Xinjiang-linked violence, attributed to Uighur separatist activity in the region. The attacks took place towards the end of the month ofAttack
Authorities stated that armed militants carried out acts of violence in the towns of Elixku and Huangdi. The militants attacked a police station and government offices in Elixku, before moving on to Huangdi, targeting civilians and smashing vehicles. They also reportedly set up roadblocks to stop vehicles and attack passengers, and according to locals, attempted to coerce civilians into joining the attack. During the attacks, some 30 police cars were reported damaged or destroyed. Police shot dead 59 attackers and arrested 215 suspects. Banners calling for jihad, as well as weapons including long knives and axes were confiscated.Aftermath
Dilxat Raxit, a representative of the exiled World Uyghur Congress, spoke out against the Chinese government's policies in Xinjiang, stating, "If Beijing does not change its policy of extreme repression, this could lead to even more clashes". Authorities named Nuramat Sawut as the ringleader of the attacks, accusing him of having close links to the militant East Turkestan Islamic Movement. In a statement following the attacks, Xinjiang's top officialReferences
{{reflist Terrorist incidents in China in 2014 21st century in Xinjiang People shot dead by law enforcement officers in China Xinjiang conflict 2014 murders in China East Turkestan independence movement Islamic terrorist incidents in 2014