Easter Sunday Sri Lanka Attacks: 290 Dead, 500 Injured

Celebrations for Easter took a terrible turn in Sri Lanka when a string of explosions ended up leaving over 400 people injured and more than 200 dead. Eight bombs were placed in hotels and churches across the country, exploding on Sunday; The explosions appear to have taken place in or around the country’s capital of Colombo.

The first attack was reported at Colombo’s popular St Anthony’s Shrine Catholic church, the second was carried out at the St. Sebastian’s church located north of the capital. This was followed by reports that a church in the neighboring town of Batticaloa had been hit. Three high-end hotels in Colombo were also bombed along with another nearby church. The final attack was reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber in a Colombo suburb.

Investigators assume that these terrorist attacks were to target the country’s Christians since congregations were celebrating Easter when the explosions took place. Close to seven people have been arrested so far in connection to the events.