Sri Lanka: ISIS Claims 3 Militants Who Blew Up Themselves Killing 15 Were Affiliated to Daesh
The trio, hiding in Ampara, detonated themselves when the Sri Lankan troops closed in for a raid. A total of 15 people, including 6 minors, were killed in the terror strike.
Colombo, April 28: The Islamic State or ISIS has claimed that the three militants who blew up themselves killing a total of 15 people in Ampara were affiliated to them. Daesh, as the terror group is also called, issued a statement via the al-Amaq news agency, stating that the three suicide bombers were tasked by them to wage war in Sri Lanka.
The statement identifies the deceased by their assigned war names of Abu Hammad, Abu Sufyan and Abu al-Qa’qa. The trio, hiding in Ampara, detonated themselves when the Sri Lankan troops closed in for a raid. A total of 15 people, including 6 minors, were killed in the terror strike. ISIS Plotting Attacks Across Europe, Says British Media Report
While the ISIS has claimed the death of 17 "disbelievers" in the suicide attack, the Lankan authorities have confirmed that the total death toll is 15, including those from the minority community.
Earlier, the Daesh also staked claim over the serial bombings on Easter Sunday leaving around 260 people, mostly Christians, dead. Preliminary probe has identified the role of National Thowheed Jamaat, a local radical outfit, for the string of suicide attacks. An "international hand" is also suspected considering the manner in which terror strike was executed, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
A week after the devastating terror attack, Sri Lanka continues to remain on the edge, with emergency imposed across the nation. Mass across all churches were cancelled in the island nation today due to the threat posed by extremists. Similarly, restrictions were imposed on Friday congregational prayers for Muslims this week as authorities feared a retaliatory attack.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 28, 2019 09:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).