32 terror groups busted in China

Beijing, June 23 (IANS) A total of 32 terror modules were busted, over 380 suspects apprehended and 315 people sentenced by the courts during an anti-terror campaign in China's Xinjiang region, media reported Monday.

Security forces seized 264 explosive devices, 3.15 tonnes of explosive material and 357 knives in the first month of the campaign, Xinhua reported.

Police also confiscated computers and books on terrorism and religious extremism during raids on 21 illegal preaching sites and training camps.

Thirteen people were executed last week for organising and heading terrorist groups and participating in murder, arson, theft and illegal manufacture, storage and transportation of explosives in Aksu, Turpan and Hotan.

The anti-terror campaign was launched after the May 22 bombing of a market in regional capital Urumqi that killed 39 people.