During attacks on three churches in Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, several people have been killed and injured. Local media report that the attacks were suicide bombings. The latest news indicates that a family, including parents and their children, carried out these suicide attacks. According to Tito Karnavian, the Indonesian police chief, members of a family who returned from Syria conducted these suicide attacks. The police chief stated that the father of the family carried out a suicide attack using a vehicle, while two sons aged 18 and 16 detonated themselves on a motorcycle, and the mother along with two daughters aged 12 and 9 also committed suicide. Indonesian media report that a 'large explosion' occurred at a church in the Gubeng area of Surabaya. The Indonesian police say all attacks occurred at three churches: 'Holy Mary', 'Pentecostal', and 'Diponegoro' at 7 AM on Sunday, a day when Christians go to church for prayer and worship. Reuters reports that officials are investigating reports of a fourth church attack as well. Images from Holy Mary Church shared on social media show several injured people, with some carrying a bloodied child. In one of the videos shared on social media, a fire is seen in front of one of the churches, while several motorcycles are burning. It appears the explosion occurred at the church entrance, although the fire may have spread outside as well. Indonesian churches are almost always protected by police during Sunday worship services. Currently, rescue teams and police have confirmed at least 13 deaths and at least 41 injuries. Eyewitnesses report that one of the attackers was a woman accompanied by several children. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, but a significant number of Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists also reside there. In recent years, extremists have carried out attacks against Christians and other religious minorities in the country.
Suicide Attacks by a Family in Indonesia Leave 13 Dead
A family in Indonesia, including parents and their children, carried out suicide bombings at three churches in Surabaya, resulting in at least 13 deaths and over 41 injuries. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of extremism in Indonesia, a country with a diverse religious landscape.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A family carried out suicide bombings at three churches in Surabaya, Indonesia, resulting in at least 13 deaths and over 41 injuries. The attackers included parents and their children, highlighting a disturbing trend of familial involvement in extremist violence.
- The attacks targeted churches during Sunday services, a significant time for Christian worship.
- No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, with significant Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist populations. Extremist attacks have been a growing concern in recent years.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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