Churches Targeted by Terrorist in Sri Lanka

8 Bomb blasts

150+ Dead with some estimates at 185

500+ Injured

Suicide Bombers confirmed on multiple attacks

Churchgoers and hotels targeted

Earlier, Easter church services and hotels were the targets of suicide bombers across the country including explosions reported at St Anthony’s Church in Columbo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Explosions also reported at St Bastion’s in the town of Negombo, just outside of the capital where the first blasts occurred.

Following this, there were reports of further blasts in multiple hotels in the Capital, the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand, and Kingsbury. Zion church located in East Sri Lanka in the town of Batticaloa, also had an explosion reported. In addition, there were reports of a seventh blast, again in the capital, inside Topical Inn Guest House near the Zoo; there were two confirmed dead at the scene.

Reports confirmed an eighth Explosion at Mahawila Udayana Road Housing Scheme in Dematagoda. Accordingly, the Government is to impose Curfew. Announcement of curfew expected at any moment.

BREAKING NEWS – Two dead and few injured following 7th blasts inside Topical Inn Guest House near the Zoo — Navamani Newspaper (@NavamaniLK) April 21, 2019 Archive.is

BREAKING NEWS; 8th Explosion at Mahawila Udayana Road Housing Scheme in Dematagoda Government is to impose Curfew and announcement at any moment — Navamani Newspaper (@NavamaniLK) April 21, 2019 Archive.is



Suicide Bombers Behind Attack

Photo by Chamila Karunarathne/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Americans, British and Dutch citizens were among dozens of foreigners killed. Accordingly, the government declared an immediate curfew and shut down all social media in response. The Government declared curfew went into effect immediately and until further notice. In addition, the Government shut down access to major social media and messaging services.

As a result, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK has issued warnings for all British travelers in the country. Accordingly, they warned them to stay put and get in contact with the Embassy. Similarly, the US Embassy has just issued a warning to expats and travelers to find shelter and exercise extreme caution in their actions.

#UPDATE #SriLanka government declares curfew with immediate effect until further notice; access to major social media, messaging services shutdown, Reuters reports



For more: https://t.co/pX8IBRplIe pic.twitter.com/LFEgkgcjv4 — CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) April 21, 2019 Archive.is

Reports suggest that suicide bombers are behind the attack at Shangri La Hotel and Batticaloa Church. Moreover, the suicide bombers have been identified. Their names are Zahran Hashim and Abu Mohammed. World Leaders have been quick to offer thoughts to all those affected, condemning the actions of those who wished to seek harm on this Holy Christian day.

Reports have not confirmed the precise motive of the attackers. However, the date, targets, method, and individuals involved suggest the motive involved an Islamic attack on Christianity.

Check back soon for more details.