URUMQI, Jan. 27 -- Xinjiang police on Sunday revealed details of a terrorist attack that took place on Friday in the northwestern region, involving 17 terrorist suspects.

Police investigation showed that the explosions which happened on Friday in the seat of Xinhe county, under Aksu Prefecture were organized, premeditated terrorist attacks.

According to the police, a man named Ibrahim Qahar had organized illegal religious activities and spread religious extremism since May last year. He headed a group of 17 terrorist suspects to make explosives in a rented house.

The group rode on three motorcycles to set up explosions at a hair salon and a vegetable market at about 6:40 p.m. on Friday.

Shortly after the explosions, the police responded and opened fire to fight back attacks by the group when they were making arrests.

Six suspects were gunned down and six others died in explosions they set off by themselves.

The police also arrested five people. One policeman was slightly injured and no bystander casualties were reported during the arrest actions.

The police seized some explosive devices and other devices used to commit criminal acts.