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Sri Lanka explosions: More than 200 killed as churches and hotels targeted
Deadly explosions strike across Sri Lanka
Eight blasts were reported, including at least three churches in the cities of Negombo, Batticaloa, and Colombo's Kochchikade district during Easter services.
The Shangri-La, Kingsbury, and Cinnamon Grand [Sri Lanka is the origin and source of cinnamon] hotels and one other, all in the capital, Colombo, were also targeted.
A national curfew has been put in place "until further notice," and social media networks have been temporarily blocked.
Sri Lanka's defense minister has said the attacks were probably carried out by one group.
What's the latest from the scene?
The first reports of explosions came at about 08:45 (03:15 GMT) local time -- with six blasts reported close together at churches and luxury hotels.
St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo was severely damaged in one explosion, with dozens killed at the site.
Images from inside showed blood on the pews and the building's ceiling shattered. More
The Shangri-La, Kingsbury, and Cinnamon Grand [Sri Lanka is the origin and source of cinnamon] hotels and one other, all in the capital, Colombo, were also targeted.
A national curfew has been put in place "until further notice," and social media networks have been temporarily blocked.
- [NOTE: This was done to stem the spread of rumors on social media, in the event people want to jump to conclusions and blame Islamist radicals, which have never been a problem on the island, or the Hindu Tamil Tiger rebels with whom they fought the longest civil war in Asia, a war that wrapped up nearly a decade ago with many Hindus still being oppressed and abused by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and the Sinhalese-dominated government, military, and police. It is possible that Buddhist extremists led by politicized monks are to blame.]
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Sri Lanka's defense minister has said the attacks were probably carried out by one group.
What's the latest from the scene?
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| Pope Francis in gold Buddhist robe, Sri Lanka |
St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo was severely damaged in one explosion, with dozens killed at the site.
Images from inside showed blood on the pews and the building's ceiling shattered. More
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| Los Angeles, California, has an annual Sri Lanka Day in Pasadena (slday.com). |
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