easter mayhem
Over 200 killed in bloodiest Lanka attack since civil war Minister calls it a terrorist attack by religious extremists Prime minister says eight suspects arrested, all locals
Terrorists are those who betray worshippers in their places of worship, plant fear in their hearts and try to ignite religious conflicts in societies. Our condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, to the world and to everyone who works tirelessly towards tolerance and coexistence HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
@HHShkMohd
The bombings that claimed innocent lives in Sri Lanka represent a new wave of terrorism that affects humanity. We condemn the cowardly bombings and offer condolences to Sri Lanka’s leadership and people. We need to stand firm to eradicate the scourge of terror HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
@MohamedBinZayed
More than 200 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in eight bomb blasts that rocked churches and luxury hotels in or near Sri Lanka’s capital on Easter Sunday — the deadliest violence the South Asian island country has seen since a bloody civil war ended a decade ago.
Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardena described the bombings as a terrorist attack by religious extremists, though there was no immediate claim of responsibility. He said most of the blasts were believed to have been suicide attacks.
The explosions at three churches and three hotels collapsed ceilings and blew out windows, killing worshippers and hotel guests. People were seen carrying the wounded out of blood-spattered pews.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said eight people have been arrested. He said “so far the names that have come up are local”, but that investigators would look into whether the attackers had any “overseas links”.
He also acknowledged that “information was there” about possible attacks.