Fatal Central Highlands gun attacks were 'organized and barbaric': ministry

Gunmen who attacked the headquarters of two communal people’s committees in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on Sunday were "organized, spontaneous, reckless, barbaric and inhumane", said Ministry of Public Security spokesman To An Xo on Wednesday.

The attackers killed the Party chief of Ea Ktur commune, the chairman of Ea Tieu commune, four police officers, and three civilians, while injuring two police officers and a number of residents, he said.

At the communal headquarters in Cu Kuin district, they stormed through glass doors, shot officials, and used homemade weapons to attack the victims, and then threw petrol bombs to fire the headquarters. They also stopped cars and shot drivers and residents, Xo added.

According to the spokesman, the suspects initially confessed that “they were told to kill any communal officials and police officers they meet, and then rob assets and firearms".

"Receiving information about the incidents, the Party chief of Ea Ktur commune and the chairman of Ea Tieu commune immediately responded but were killed by the attackers," said Xo.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has taken charge of arrangements for the officials and police officers who died and were injured in the attacks. The two dead communal officials and four police officers have been recognized as martyrs.

As of Wednesday night, 46 suspects had been arrested. The Ministry of Public Security said that it will "take all necessary measures" to capture all the suspects and seize weapons and explosives.

The ministry asked the suspects to turn themselves in to receive leniency in court, and the public have been asked to provide any information that could lead to their arrest.

The investigation is ongoing, and the ministry said it would take measures to eliminate the risk of a similar incident by putting forces on high alert.

The situation in Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communes has stabilized and local life is gradually returning to normal, according to the spokesman.