A ministry spokesman said the terrorists aimed to sabotage the Beijing Olympic Games. The total number of terrorists captured is 45. Police also seized a dozen explosive devices, and raw material for making explosives.
A police investigation indicates the terrorists are linked to the East Turkistan movement, which has been recruiting members and sending them abroad for training. The Ministry said the movement plans to kidnap foreign journalists, tourists, and athletes in order to gain international recognition for its cause.
Wu Heping, Spokesman of Ministry of Public Security said "According to the orders of the East Turkestan terrorist groups, preparations for terrorist attacks were supposed to be completed by April this year, followed by attacks in Beijing and Shanghai with poisons and explosives starting in May, in an attempt to sabotage the Beijing Olympic Games. "
