The government of Sri Lanka has identified two suicide bombers responsible for the series of bomb attacks in Colombo on the morning of Easter Sunday. Around six blasts took place in three churches and three hotels in the capital city of Sri Lanka when the places were crowded to mark the event of Easter Sunday.
The attacks occurred simultaneously at around 8:45 am when people had gathered in churches for Easter Sunday mass.
Zahran Hashim And Abu Mohammed Identified As Suicide Bombers
According to reports, the government of Sri Lanka has identified two suicide bombers Zahran Hashim and Abu Mohammed behind the blasts. Around 156 people including 35 foreigners were killed whereas more than 500 are reportedly injured.
The number of people who died in the attack is climbing constantly ever since the attack took place. The attack on churches can cause grave consequences in the country as Christians belong to the minority community with an overall 22 million population (7.6%).
Importantly, no terrorist group has come forward to claim the responsibility for the attack. Also, no one knows the true motive behind the attack. The first blast took place at Colombo’s St Anthony’s Church, Kochicikade, second in Negombo, Katuwapitiya’s St Sebastian’s Church, and the third one in Batticaloa church.
The 5- star hotels where the blasts occurred include Shangrila, the Kingsbury, and the Cinnamon Grand. Reports indicate that at least 2 blasts that occurred in Batticaloa Church and Shangrila Hotel were caused by Abu Mohammed and Zahran Hashim.
Sri Lankan PM Condemns Attacks
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned these attacks and held an emergency meeting. More than 200 troops have been deployed to help the common men and women as well as the victims. Relief operations are going on in full force.
The PM in his appeal also said that the public must refrain from propagating unverified news and speculations. Wickremesinghe assured that the government of Sri Lanka is taking all the necessary and immediate steps to keep the situation under control.
