A series of coordinated attacks on police stations in Vietnam’s southern provinces left several people dead and wounded on Sunday, according to state media and officials.

The attackers, who were armed with explosives and guns, targeted at least four police stations in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai.

The motive behind the attacks is not clear, but some reports suggest they were carried out by a group of anti-government extremists.

The Ministry of Public Security said in a statement that security forces had arrested many suspects and seized weapons and explosives from the scenes. It also urged people to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The attacks are the latest in a series of violent incidents that have shaken Vietnam in recent years, as the communist-ruled country faces growing social and economic challenges.