The designated terror group known as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement ( ETIM ) , is a UK-based Pan-Islamic group operating in Xinjiang with similar ideals to Al-Qaeda , but with less technological capability . Since explosives are tightly controlled in Xinjiang and in the border regions , the ETIM has resorted to knife , pin prick , and vehicular attacks against civilians and security forces to achieve its goals . Chinese HUMINT in Xinjiang is stunted by the Uyghurs ' unwillingness to cooperate with police , so state security forces find difficulty in anticipating and planning for terrorist attacks . The 2011 attacks in Kashgar came on the eve of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and one month after Kashgar opened a railway to Hotan , a city that had been the site of violence on July 18
been the site of violence
2011 Hotan attack
2011 Kashgar attacks