Explosions in Sri Lanka target churches, hotels, killing 160 people

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Easter Day bombs rocked Sri Lankan churches and four hotels on Sunday, killing 160 people and wounding over 400 more, hospital and police sources have said.

The series of explosions targeted three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa, and Colombo’s Kochchikade district during Easter services, as well as four hotels.

The blasts led the government to declare a curfew, from 18:00 to 06:00 local time. Authorities also blocked access to most major social media and messaging sites.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks. The country had been at war for decades with Tamil separatists, until 2009, during which explosions in the capital were common.

The number of casualties is expected to rise as the wounds of some victims have been described as severe.

British, Dutch, Portuguese and American citizens were among the dead, according to hospital sources. British and Japanese tourists were also among the injured.

Two of the blasts are suspected to have been carried out by suicide bombers, a local official told AP.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called a national security council meeting at his home later in the day.

“I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong,” he said in a Tweet.

“Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.”

The Kurdistan Region’s Security Council (KRSC) Chancellor, Masrour Barzani, also responded to the attacks in a tweet on Sunday. 

“I strongly condemn today’s heinous attacks in Sri Lanka,” Barzani wrote. “My condolences are with the people and government during this difficult time — I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

I strongly condemn today’s heinous attacks in Sri Lanka. My condolences are with the people and government during this difficult time — I wish a speedy recovery to the injured- mb.

— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) April 21, 2019

The Christian community claims to have witnessed increased intimidation from some extremist Buddhist monks in recent years. Last year, there were clashes between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist community and minority Muslims, with some hardline Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam.

Editing by Nadia Riva