Two suspects die following Xinjiang plane hijacking

Two men who allegedly tried to hijack a plane in China’s far western Xinjiang region have died in hospital, The Guardian reported, citing state media. Authorities say six Uighur men took explosives onto a flight leaving from the city of Hotan and attempted to break into the plane’s cockpit before they were overpowered by passengers and crew. Exile group World Uyghur Congress said it was a fight over seats and not a hijacking attempt. The flight returned to Hotan, and authorities are investigating how the suspects brought the explosives on board. State media confirmed the deaths with officials and two other suspects were moved to a hospital after reportedly mutilating themselves. The Chinese government has alleged that Xinjiang separatists have been responsible for multiple instances of unrest in the region in recent years.