Bomb targeting passenger train explodes in Sri Lankan capital, wounding 17

A bomb blast targeting a passenger train wounded 17 bystanders in Sri Lanka's capital Wednesday in the latest attack aimed at civilians in the war-torn island nation.

Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara blamed the Tamil Tiger rebels for the attack in the Wellawatte district of Colombo. Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not be immediately contacted for comment.

The blast went off near railroad tracks just after a train had passed. The train suffered only slight damage, but 17 bystanders near the tracks were wounded, the military and a hospital official said.

The victims were admitted to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital for …