Islamist Group Accused of Suicide Operations in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government has blamed an extremist Islamist group for the deadly bombings in the country. Sri Lankan police were aware of the suicide operations. Police forces have discovered one bomb and 87 new bomb detonators.

On Monday, the 22nd of April, the Sri Lankan government announced that an extremist Islamist group called “National Thaweed Jama’ah” was responsible for the suicide attacks on Sunday.

On Sunday, eight bomb explosions at three churches and three hotels in Colombo and Negombo resulted in at least 300 deaths and approximately 500 injuries.

Little information is available about the aforementioned Islamist group.

On Monday, a car bomb was also discovered near one of the churches that was attacked on Sunday. According to a spokesman for Sri Lankan police, the vehicle exploded while being defused. No report has been released on the damage caused.

Police also announced that 87 bomb detonators were seized in Colombo on Sunday and Monday.

According to the German news agency, 24 suspects have been arrested so far. All those arrested are said to be Sri Lankan citizens, but the government is investigating links to determine if these individuals collaborated with foreign extremist groups.

Dispute Between Government and President

Based on reports released so far, Sri Lankan security forces were informed of the terrorist operations at least 10 days before the attacks occurred.

On April 11, the Deputy Police Chief of Sri Lanka had warned of this incident in a confidential letter. In this regard, he referred to inflammatory speeches by several influential Muslims whose names were also mentioned. The speakers, in response to the armed attack on two mosques in New Zealand in March, had made violent propaganda against other religions.

Rajitha Senaratne, the Minister of Health and spokesman of the Sri Lankan government, revealed tensions between the Prime Minister and the President of the country. Security forces are under the command of President Sirisena. Perhaps for this reason, the Deputy Police Chief’s letter did not reach the Prime Minister.

Senaratne stated to journalists: “This (Sri Lanka) is the only country where when the Prime Minister calls for a security council meeting, the members of the security council do not show up to the meeting.”

The majority of Sri Lankan citizens are Buddhists. Approximately 10 percent are Muslims, and Christians make up eight percent of the country’s population.

Source: DW