Chinese police kill seven kidnappers, free hostages

Beijing, Dec 29 (IANS) Police fatally shot seven kidnappers during a hostage rescue mission in northwest China Wednesday night, authorities said Thursday.

Two people were kidnapped in the mountainous area of Hotan prefecture in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region at about 11 p.m. Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

Police opened fire as the kidnappers 'resisted arrest', a spokesman with the Xinjiang regional government said.

Seven kidnappers were shot dead, and four were wounded and arrested. One police officer was killed and another wounded in the rescue.

The two hostages were freed.

SEARCH