Xinjiang launches "strike-hard" campaign

The local government of the China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region announced that state forces will conduct a two-month “strike-hard” campaign against violence, terrorism and Islamism following a bout of ethnic violence in the region, the Associated Press reported. The police will increase criminal investigations and accelerate trials to more harshly punish defendants in the far-western region. “The frequency with which terrorist activities are carried out in the region is rising and it must be curbed,” said the government in a statement. “Public security units at all levels across the region must strengthen the work of security, take strict precautions, and create fear and awe.” Beijing sent its elite Snow Leopard anti-terrorism force to Xinjiang earlier this month. At least three dozen people have been killed in three separate attacks in various Xinjiang cities in recent weeks.