Brutal Violence: Shockwaves Worldwide Over Sri Lanka Attacks

(Patria) - Sri Lankan authorities have identified the extremists who killed at least 180 people in a series of attacks on churches and hotels in Colombo and its surroundings. More than 450 people were wounded in these attacks, specifically in a series of explosions. The attacks were carried out during Easter celebrations.

Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardene stated that it is known who is behind these, as he called them, extremist attacks. He described these events as terrorist incidents.

Speaking at a press conference, Wijewardene said that according to initial information, there may have been several suicide bombers. He described the attackers as religious extremists.

Pope Francis condemned the attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, in which, according to the latest information, at least 189 people were killed and more than 560 wounded. The Pope called the attacks "brutal violence" and said his thoughts are with the victims and their families.

The German government expressed regret over the attacks.

- We are horrified by the news that Christians in Sri Lanka were attacked and killed during Easter Mass. We mourn the victims and pray for the wounded and their families. We must not allow terrorism, religious hatred and intolerance to prevail - wrote the spokesperson for Chancellor Angela Merkel on Twitter.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned, as he stated, the "appalling" attacks in Sri Lanka.

- Full solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, and our thoughts are with all those close to the victims of this Easter - he wrote on Twitter.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he "received the news of the attacks in Sri Lanka with horror and sorrow" and expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered peacefully or were visiting this "beautiful country".

The U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka tweeted that he was "deeply saddened by the senseless attacks" and that the U.S. "stands with the Sri Lankan people in this terrible moment".
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attacks and said "there is no place for such barbarism in our region". Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also joined in the condemnations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter that regardless of the motive, these attacks are "cowardly, barbaric and cold-blooded". "Terrorism has no religion, no nation, no geographical location."