Daesh claims Philippines church bombs

SANAA , Jan. 29 (YPA) – Daesh has claimed responsibility for a double bomb attack  that killed at least 20 on a Catholic church in a southern Philippine island, according to Amaaq Agency of Daesh.

The bombing, which took place on Sunday on a mainly Muslim island in the restive south of the country, has injured 81 people and was one of the bloodiest attacks in the past few years in the chaotic region.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Edgard Arevalo told Radio DMM that two blasts took place during a church mass days after the majority vote in the region, was approved in a referendum on greater autonomy.

The first blast took place while worshipers were inside Gulu Cathedral in Sulu province, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, while the second blast took place in the parking lot.

Sameera Hassn