ISIS Claims Deadly Bombing At Church In Sulu Province

The Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for twin bombings at a cathedral in the southern Philippines that killed at least 20 people, reports CNN. 

On Sunday, two explosive devices detonated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Jolo island, part of the predominately Muslim Mindanao region. 

The first exploded inside the church and the second targeted soldiers who arrived to help, said a military spokesman. 

Fourteen soldiers and two police officers were among 81 injured. 

In a statement via its Amaq news agency, ISIS claimed responsibility for the assault. 

The statement did not indicate which of its multiple affiliates in the region carried out the attack. 

Authorities believe the attack was carried out by a faction named "Ajang Ajang," which has carried out many kidnappings in the region, reported Reuters. 

The attack came on the heels of a widely-backed referendum to grant more autonomy to the majority Muslim region. The island of Jolo voted not to join the planned autonomous government for the region, noted Al Jazeera (Qatar).