Sri Lanka bombings were revenge for Christchurch mosque shootings, says deputy defence minister
Sri Lanka terror attacks
The Sri Lanka terror bombings were carried out by local Islamic extremists in retaliation for the mosque attacks in New Zealand, the initial probe has revealed, reports AFP.
"The preliminary investigations have revealed that what happened in Sri Lanka (on Sunday) was in retaliation for the attack against Muslims in Christchurch," state minister of defence Ruwan Wijewardene told parliament.
The death toll has climbed to 321, including 38 foreigners, Sri Lanka's state minister of defence Ruwan Wijewardene said in an address to parliament.
Fifty people were killed in shooting attacks on two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on March 15.
He said the early findings of the ongoing probe found that the suicide bombings were done in revenge for deadly shootings at two mosques in Christchurch just weeks ago.
Meanwhile,Sri Lankan police have taken a Syrian national into custody for questioning over the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels.
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"The terrorist investigation division of the police arrested a Syrian national following the attacks for interrogation," a source said.
The Syrian national was detained following the interrogation of local suspects, the source added.
So far no group has claimed responsibility for Easter Sunday's suicide bomb attacks butSri Lankan government on April 22 has lent credence to a controversial letter saying local outfit National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) is believed to be responsible for the attacks.
Sri Lankans observed three minutes of silence early Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims. National flags were lowered and people bowed their heads as the silence began at 8:30 am.
The government has declared a full day of national mourning on Tuesday, with flags at all government institutions lowered to half mast, liquor shops ordered shut and radio stations and television channels expected to play sombre music.
(With inputs from agencies)