Americans killed in Sri Lanka bomb attacks
Authorities say more than 290 have now died in a series of Easter Sunday bomb attacks targeting churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka.
American citizens are among the dead, after bomb attacks targeting three churches and hotels including the Shangri-La, Kingsbury Hotel and Cinnamon Grand, all in the capital Colombo.
A short time later, a guest house near the Dehiwala Zoo was also bombed as well as a housing complex near Colombo.
Victims included ‘several U.S. citizens’ said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terror attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter morning," Pompeo said.
"Attacks on innocent people gathering in a place of worship or enjoying a holiday meal are affronts to the universal values and freedoms that we hold dear."
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka ‘is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families.’
Police said more than 50 people had died at St Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo, while there have been further fatalities in the capital.
Near-simultaneous blasts hit several locations, causing multiple fatalities among worshippers and hotel guests.
At least two of the church attacks were suspected to have been carried out by suicide bombers.
Explosions also hit St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo and another place of worship in the eastern town of Batticaloa.
Around 30 foreign nationals were among the dead. This included five British travelers as well as at least three Indians, two Turkish nationals and two Chinese citizens, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said.
Defence minister, Ruwan Wijewardene said several people were arrested in connection with the ‘cowardly’ attacks.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe imposed an island-wide curfew for Sunday night and restricted access to major social media sites to avoid inflaming an already tense situation.
"I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation," the PM said.
Despite the curfew departing travelers were still able to get to the airport.
"SriLankan Airlines assures passengers of all airlines flying out of Bandaranaike International Airport during the period, that they can reach the airport during their curfew by producing their air tickets and passports to security forces at checkpoints," the airline said on Twitter.
The airport advised all travelers to arrive at least four hours ahead of their flight due to ramped up security measures in place.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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