Asia South Asia Top Stories Trending Now World

Mastermind of Sri Lanka bombings was trained in India

The mastermind of the Easter suicide bombings was trained in India, Indian media reported

Zahran Hashim, who allegedly masterminded the Easter Day bombings in Sri Lanka, was trained in Indian. Indian newspaper The Hindu said in a report that Hashim spent substantial time in South India.

Indian officials have pointed to evidence that Zahran Hashim, the leader of National Thawheed Jama’ut, which carried out the attacks, maintained virtual links with youth believed to be of Indian origin.

On Friday, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters Zahran Hashim was killed at one of the Colombo hotels targeted. “What intelligence agencies have told me is that Zahran was killed during the Shangri-La attack,” he said.

253 people were killed in the Easter Sunday bombings which were claimed by Daesh.

The Sri Lankan government has confirmed there were nine suicide bombers, eight of whom have been identified. Authorities have focused their investigations on international links to two domestic groups — National Thawheed Jama’ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim — they believe carried out the attacks.

Hashim, who founded the National Thawheed Jama’ut, appeared in a video released by Daesh when it claimed the strikes. He is seen leading seven others in a pledge of allegiance to Baghdadi.

Police said they found a Daesh flag, the backdrop and the clothes the men wore for their video in the studio in the town of Sammanthurai, 370 kilometres (231 miles) east of the capital

Dear TNT Reader,

At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.

Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.

But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.

Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.

Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription

Visa Card MasterCard American Express Card

We want to hear your Travel Stories.

Do you have a memorable, unbelievable, or favorite travel experience? Share your story with us.