12 killed in China violence

At least six people were gunned down by police and six others killed in explosions in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, authorities said Saturday.

Police opened fire to repulse attacks by a group of suspected terrorists when they were making arrests following two explosions Friday in the county seat of Xinhe in Aksu prefecture, an official of the region's publicity department said.

Six suspects were gunned down and six others died in explosions they set off themselves, said the official.

Police have also arrested five people and seized some explosive devices.

The two explosions occurred Friday killing one person and injuring two others.