US warns citizens in Sri Lanka over terror threat

By Busra Nur Bilgic

ANKARA (AA) - The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka on Thursday warned its citizens to avoid places of worship over a terror threat in wake of Sunday’s devastating multiple attacks in the South Asian country.

In a statement, the embassy advised its citizens to “remain vigilant and avoid large crowds.”

“Sri Lankan authorities are reporting that additional attacks targeting places of worship may occur. U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid these areas over the weekend, starting tomorrow, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th,” said the embassy.

On Easter Sunday, at least 359 people were killed when eight separate locations -- both inside and outside Sri Lankan capital Colombo -- were rocked by explosions.

The terrorist bombings targeted Christian churches in the cities of Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa, along with three upscale hotels in the capital.