45 people arrested following fatal attacks on police stations in Vietnam's Central Highlands

Updated 9:52 p.m, Tuesday June 13

Police have arrested 45 people suspected of attacking two police stations in Dak Lak province on Sunday morning, leaving four police officers, two communal officials, and three residents dead.

A group of motorcyclists with guns and other dangerous weapons attacked the police stations in the communes of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur in Cu Kuin district, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

"Our forces are continuing to hunt for the remaining suspects," Lieutenant General To An Xo, a spokesperson for the ministry, said on Tuesday.

Two hostages have been rescued, while the third escaped. The reason for the attacks remains unknown.

Earlier, a leader of Cu Kuin district's Party Committee told local media that some of the suspects are from Krong Buk district, Cu Mgar district and Ayun Pa township in neighboring Gia Lai province.

Authorities advised local residents in Cu Kuin district and neighboring localities to stay calm and follow instructions from competent forces.

Anyone with information about the wanted assailants should contact their nearest police station, they said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday granted certificates of national gratitude to the four policemen and two communal officials who died while on duty.

Previously, on Sunday afternoon, Minister of Public Security To Lam had signed a decision to promote the four policemen posthumously and support their families with VND100 million ($4,300) each. Two policemen injured in Cu Kuin district received VND50 million each.