UPDATE 2 - Turkish president condemns deadly attacks in Sri Lanka

Explosions struck churches and hotels in various part of country early Sunday, killing at least 138

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS BY SRI LANKAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

By Ali Murat Alhas and Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday condemned multiple bomb attacks in Sri Lanka that killed at least 138 and wounded over 400 people.

In a Twitter post, Erdogan said: "I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity."

“On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," he added.

“This barbaric attack in Sri Lanka once again demonstrated the need for a decisive fight against all kinds of terrorism,” Erdogan said in a separate statement Sunday.

Erdogan also expressed his solidarity with Sri Lanka against terrorism.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also condemned the attacks "targeting innocent people in churches and hotels during Easter".

“No matter what the motive is, the heinous terror attack in Sri Lanka is the same as the one in Christchurch [New Zealand]: cowardly, barbaric and cruel. Terror has no religion, no nation, no geography," he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin offered his condolences to the wounded and condemned the attacks.

"I offer my condolences to those who lost their lives, and wish the wounded a speedy recovery," he added. "We reject all kinds of terrorism, regardless of its perpetrators, source and ideology."

Multiple explosions hit three churches and three hotels in different parts of Sri Lanka on Sunday leaving at least 138 dead and more than 400 injured.

No groups have yet claimed responsibility.

Pakeer Mohideen Amza, Sri Lanka's ambassador to Ankara, thanked Turkish authorities, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, for expressing solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.

"I want to extend my sincere condolences to families of two Turkish citizens who died in the heinous attacks," he added.

Kaynak:

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