Sri Lanka Deputy Defence Minister said on Wednesday, 24 April, that over 60 people have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday suicide bomb blasts which claimed the lives of at least 359 people.
He also added that the leader of local Islamist group that carried out attacks committed suicide at Shangri-La hotel.
As many as 10 Indians are among those dead in the bombings that struck three churches and three high-end hotels.
On Tuesday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the devastating blasts in the island nation and identified the seven suicide bombers who were involved in the attacks, through its Amaq news agency.
- Sri Lankan authorities have blamed a local extremist group, National Towheed Jamaar for the attack
- The churches targeted include St Anthony’s Church in Colombo, St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo and another church in Batticaloa
- The hotels targeted include the Shangri La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury
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Nine Suicide Bombers Involved in the Blast
Sri Lanka police say investigation has confirmed that there were nine suicide bombers, of which eight have been identified. According to news agency Reuters, one of the nine bombers was a woman.
More Than 60 Held in Connection With SL Bombing: Dy Defence Minister
Sri Lanka Deputy Defence Minister has said that over 60 people have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday suicide bomb blasts which claimed the lives of at least 359 people.
Addressing a press conference, he added that the leader of local Islamist group that carried out attacks committed suicide at Shangri-La hotel.
Death Toll Rises to 359: Police
The death toll from the Easter suicide bombings in Sri Lanka rose to 359, police said on Wednesday, 24 April, adding that more suspects have been arrested overnight raising the total detained to 58.
Hours Before the Attack, India Had Warned Sri Lanka: Report
Two hours before a series of suicide bombing killed nearly 300 people in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, Indian intelligence officers had tipped off their Sri Lankan counter part, reported Reuters quoting sources.