Eight explosions in Sri Lanka left over 200 people dead and over 400 injured on Sunday morning. The attacks killed both locals and foreigners, and they marked the worst violence since the end of the country's civil war in 2009.
The first wave of attacks happened at three Catholic churches during Easter services. Then, a second round of explosions hit three hotels. In the afternoon, two more blasts hit another hotel and a house.
According to Sri Lankan media, the house was where the attacks were planned and police were raiding it when the building exploded. Three officers died, and several people were arrested.
The country's defense minister said the culprits are religious extremists. No group has claimed responsibility.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is pushing for "restraint and patience" while the government investigates. He urged the nation to not be misled by "baseless rumors and false stories."
State media reported the government decided to temporarily block social media sites to stop the spread of misinformation until the investigation is over.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
Posted from: this blog via Microsoft Flow.