Horror as Muslims kill 18 people in bomb and knife attacks after Ramadan ban

MUSLIMS have killed at least 18 people with knives and bombs – just days after being banned from fasting during Ramadan.

The savage attacks took place in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, just days after the Communist government cracked down on the holy month.

Armed police responded by shooting 15 suspects dead.

The shoot-out began when a car sped through a police checkpoint, knocking an officer over – before two passengers jumped out and attacked him with knives.

Three more attackers then arrived at the checkpoint in Kashgar, the country's westernmost city, armed with explosives.

Lu Kung, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, did not immediately verify the reports – which is not unusual for such attacks.

He said: "But if it true, then the Chinese government has the responsibility to take the resolute steps to stop these kind of violent terror attacks to maintain peace and stability in Xinjian."

Xinjiang has taken an increasingly hard-line stance against Islam in recent years.

In May Express.co.uk reported that shopkeepers in the region have been ordered to sell alcohol and cigarettes as part of a drive to "weaken" Islam.

Shops and restaurants were forced to sell at least five different brands of alcohol and cigarettes – and promote them with "eye-catching displays".

And in 2013 35 people died in violent clashes in the region, which has a large Muslim population.

Knife-wielding attackers targeted police stations, a government building and a construction site, according to reports.

But the Chinese government claimed the violence was terrorism with no connection to religion or ethnicity.

(Express.co.uk)