Spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security Lieut. Gen. Tô Ân Xô. — VNA/VNS Photo

Spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security Lieut. Gen. Tô Ân Xô has revealed initial information about the confessions of suspects involved in the gun attacks targeting the headquarters of the People’s Committees of Ea Tiêu and Ea Ktur communes of Cư Kuin district in the Central Highlands province of Đắk Lắk.

Could you please provide the assessment and evaluation of the Ministry of Public Security regarding the attacks?

The Ministry of Public Security assesses the incident that occurred in Cư Kuin District on June 11 as a severe act jeopardising security and order, highly aggressive, reckless, cruel, and inhumane. This group fatally shot the Secretary of Ea Ktur commune, the chairman of Ea Tiêu commune, four police officers, and three civilians, while also injuring several others. When they stormed into the People's Committee headquarters, they broke glass doors, fired at officials, and used primitive weapons to attack victims and threw petrol bombs to set fire to the commune's People's Committee building. During their movement, they blocked vehicles, shot drivers and civilians and continued their cruel acts similar to those committed against the communal officials.

Based on the initial interrogations, these subjects confessed that they were ordered to kill and rob property and firearms if they meet local cadres and police officers. Their actions were extremely brutal, dangerous and caused serious consequences, resulting in the disruption of security and order at the grassroots level. These are actions that need to be strongly condemned and handled strictly. Through this incident, it also highlights the courageous spirit and wholehearted dedication of the communal cadres to the local work.

After the incident, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang signed a decision granting certificates in recognition of the merit rendered to the Fatherland by six martyrs, including four of the Ministry of Public Security and two of Đắk Lắk Province, who sacrificed their lives in the attacks.

Deputy PM Quang visited victims of the gun attacks and their families. Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Lương Tam Quang also led a delegation to visit the families of the four communal police officers, while Minister of Public Security General Tô Lâm also sent wreaths to pay tribute to them, and extended his deepest sympathy to their families.

What is the Ministry of Public Security doing to ensure control of the security and order in Đắk Lắk Province and what are you doing about the subjects who are currently still at large?

The police force and authorised force, with the support of the people, arrested 46 suspects.

To control the security and order in the locality, Minister of Public Security Tô Lâm and Deputy Minister Lương Tam Quang have directed us to apply all necessary measures to apprehend all criminals, seize all weapons and explosive materials, and ensure absolute safety for the people and the forces involved in the pursuit.

They have been instructed to conduct investigations and expedite the legal proceedings in accordance with regulations. Authorised forces are ordered to implement synchronised measures to eliminate the risks of similar incidents and prevent the exploitation of the situation to incite insecurity and disorder. They have directed a comprehensive review of security plans in all critical areas, locations, and sectors and ensured the readiness of forces and resources to handle complex situations that may arise.

The Ministry of Public Security requests and urges those who are hiding to soon surrender to enjoy the leniency of the law. The agency recommends that people actively participate in denouncing crimes, providing accurate information to help the functional forces track down the subjects. People are advised to remain vigilant against any distorted or hostile narratives and proactively ensure their own safety while the authorised forces continue their pursuit of the fugitives.

The incident has caused a lot of pain. The people of Đắk Lắk, as well as the Central Highlands and the entire country, are all outraged by this act. Based on the shared information on social media, it can be seen that a large number of residents in Đắk Lắk province are working together to catch the criminals. What do these actions represent?

The police force deeply appreciates the people of Đắk Lắk province for their wholehearted support and assistance over the past few days. These actions reflected the people's trust in the Party, the State, the people's armed forces, especially the People's Police force, showing the tradition of unity and the spirit of mutual love. At the same time, it also showed the effectiveness of the nationwide movement to protect national security and the strong support of the local residents.

During the revolutionary stages, the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands have always followed the Party, trusted the Party's leadership, and made significant contributions and together with the entire Party, people, and armed forces to build our homeland.

The People's Police force believes that through this incident, the people in the provinces of the Central Highlands will heighten their vigilance and actively participate with the functional forces in the fight against crimes and neutralise the conspiracy that threaten the security and order of the Central Highlands, and undermined national unity. — VNS