BEIJING, Jan. 10 -- China's Ministry of Public Security has released more detail on last Friday's police raid in Xinjiang. Police say the operation destroyed a local terrorist training camp and a spokesman said China will make every effort to combat terrorism on home-ground.

    The operation took place in the mountains of the Pamirs Plateau, in the south of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Police say they battled the ETIM, killing 18 terrorists and capturing another 17.

    One police officer was killed, however, and another wounded.

    Over 1,500 hand grenades in various stages of production were seized. Police say they believe al-Qaeda was involved in the ETIM training program.

    Wu Heping, spokesman Ministry of Public Security, said, "The camp belongs to the ETIM, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which the United Nations labeled a terrorist organization on September 11th, 2002. On December 15th the next year, our ministry also identified it as one of the major terrorist groups in our territory."

    According to the Foreign Ministry, the police operation in Xinjiang was necessary not only to keep China, but an entire Asian region, safe.

    Liu Jianchao, Foreign Ministry spokesman, said, "This police operation has effectively protected people's interests and safeguarded their rights to life, security, and development. At the same time, it helps maintain the security and stability of neighboring regions and Central Asia."

    A few terrorists are still on the loose, but they're being sought by the Department of Public Security.

(Source: CCTV.com)