Chinese Islamic group issues new Olympic threat
August 07, 2008 18:35 EDT

URUMQI, China (AP) -- A service that monitors militant organizations says a Chinese Islamic group that has threatened to attack the Olympics has released a new video warning Muslims to stay off of planes, trains and buses during the games.

The SITE Intelligence Group says the video was purportedly made by a group called the Turkistan Islamic Party, which seeks independence for China's western Xinjiang region.

The capital of that region appears to be on high alert. Security guards are checking bags at hotels, department stores and discos. Guards are riding on most public buses.

The video claims the government's alleged mistreatment of Muslims justifies holy war. According to SITE, it accuses China of forcing Muslims into atheism by capturing and killing Islamic teachers and destroying Islamic schools.

Terrorism experts say heavy security in Beijing and other Olympic cities would likely force attackers to target less-protected areas.