Sainthamaruthu: At least 15 people, including six children, were killed in a shootout between police and alleged militants in eastern Sri Lanka’s Kalmunai city on Friday.
This comes six days after deadly serial blasts rocked the island nation, leaving 253 people dead.
Among the 15 dead in the shootout, six are suspected terrorists. Additionally, two or more suspected terrorists are on the run after the shootout, CNN reported.
Authorities said there were three explosions during the shootout at the residence of the suspected terrorists.
Following the incident, Sri Lankan authorities seized bomb-making materials and ISIS uniforms and flags from the house, which appeared to be a bomb-making factory or storage facility.
One of the six suspected terrorists found dead has been identified as Mohamed Niyas, a prominent member of a local extremist group National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ).
Local police said curfew has been imposed in the eastern cities of Kalmunai, Chavalakade, and Sammanthurai until further notice.
on April 21, eight coordinated blasts ripped through three churches and three high-end hotels across Sri Lanka, claiming the lives of 253 and injuring over 500 others.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday attacks.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]