Washington: The United States on Sunday condemned the serial bombings in Sri Lanka terming it “outrageous terrorist attacks”.
“The United States condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka that have claimed so many precious lives on this Easter Sunday,” the White House said in a statement.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the more than 200 killed and hundreds of others wounded. We stand with the Sri Lankan government and people as they bring to justice the perpetrators of these despicable and senseless act,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence has called the blasts targeting Churches on Easter Sunday “an attack on Christianity and religious freedom everywhere”.
“POTUS and I are monitoring the horrific attacks on those celebrating Easter in Sri Lanka. Our hearts & prayers are with the victims & their families. This atrocity is an attack on Christianity & religious freedom everywhere. No one should ever be in fear in a house of worship,” Pence wrote on Twitter.
.@POTUS and I are monitoring the horrific attacks on those celebrating Easter in Sri Lanka. Our hearts & prayers are with the victims & their families. This atrocity is an attack on Christianity & religious freedom everywhere. No one should ever be in fear in a house of worship.
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) April 21, 2019
Condemning the attack, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, earlier in the day said, “The United States offers our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wishes a quick recovery to all who were injured.”
Sri Lankan Ministry has said that nine foreign nationals were reported missing and that 25 unidentified bodies at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary are believed to be that of foreigners.
Pompeo has said that “several Americans” have been affected by the attack, though he did not give an exact number, reported CNN. “The U.S. Embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families,” he added.
At least 207 people have been killed and hundreds of others suffered injuries in a series of eight explosions in churches and high-end hotels in Sri Lanka, reported CNN.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet.
The international community has condemned the multiple blasts, with leaders from India, the United Kingdom, Nepal, European Union and several other countries expressing their condolences.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]