Colombo: The Islamic State (IS) Tuesday claimed responsibility for a series of devastating suicide attacks that killed 321 people and wounded more than 500 others in Sri Lanka Easter Sunday.
“Those who carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters,” the terror group said in a statement through its propaganda ‘Amaq‘ news agency, according to the Site Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities.
Seven suicide bombers carried out multiple blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka Easter Sunday, killing 321 people in the country’s worst terror attack.
Forty suspects, including the driver of a van allegedly used by the suicide bombers, have been arrested in connection with the attacks which shook Sri Lanka.
Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said local Islamist extremist group called the National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) is suspected of plotting the blasts.
“All suicide bombers involved in the blasts are believed to be Sri Lankan nationals,” said Senaratne, who is also the Health Minister.