By Shanika Sriyananda

Deadly global terror outfit ISIS last night claimed that Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka were in response to the retaking of the last Islamic State (IS) stronghold in Syria.

On 29 April, the IS released a video that the Easter Sunday attack in Sri Lanka was by IS. In the video featuring the IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, it is stated explicitly that the attacks in Sri Lanka was in retaliation for the loss of Baguz, the last stronghold of IS in Syria. The video also said that it was a “small part of the response prepared by the Islamic State.”  Professor Rohan Gunaratna, a counter terrorism specialist, said that it is the first time Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has appeared in a video after five years. He added: “the high profile nature of the attack in Sri Lanka made the IS leader claim it.”

IGP suspended over Easter attacks

Overall Operational Commander of SLA

Acting IGP