Nearly 300 people were killed and around 500 others were injured in eight coordinated attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
The death toll continues to rise, with at least 290 people dead as of Monday morning, according to police. Among the deceased were 39 tourists, including American citizens.
The Sri Lankan government has identified National Thowheeth Jama’ath, a small Islamist terrorist organization, as the group behind the assault, though no one has come forward yet and claimed responsibility.
Authorities had intelligence the terrorists planned to target churches with suicide attacks, according to reports, though it appears that nothing was done about it. Many suspect the organization had outside help, which enabled them to carry off coordinated bombings on opposite sides of the country. At least 24 people are in custody in relation to the attacks.
As a way to halt misinformation, the Sri Lankan government temporarily cut off use to Facebook and WhatsApp. Police have also imposed two 12-hour curfews since the attack, spanning from nightfall to sunrise local time. (Read Article)
