Iraq strongly condemns Sri Lanka terrorist attacks
Covered bodies and debris in St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after a string of explosions ripped through hotels and churches on Sunday.CreditIshara S. Kodikara/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that occurred Sunday morning in Sri Lanka, targeting churches and hotels in four different cities during Easter celebrations.
“Such a heinous attack confirms that terrorism has no religion or homeland, and that it targets all forms of life,” IKH News quoted the ministry as saying in a press statement.
The ministry also urged “the international community to step up efforts and boost joint cooperation in order to eradicate terrorism.”
At least 207 people have been killed and 450 hurt in eight explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka during Easter services.
Three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombo’s Kochchikade district, in addition to the Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels and one other were also targeted.
A national curfew has been put in place “until further notice” and social media networks have been temporarily blocked.
A foreign ministry official has said at least 27 foreign nationals are among the dead.
Reports say seven people have been arrested, but it is not yet clear who is responsible for the attacks. Sri Lanka’s defence minister has said the attacks were probably carried out by one group.