6 terrorists killed in a raid by Sri Lankan security forces in Eastern province

In Sri Lanka, fifteen people including six terrorists were killed in an overnight raid of security forces on a hideout of Islamic state terrorist group in Nintavur of eastern province.

Defence spokesman Brigadier Sumith Attapattu said two terrorists were killed in gunfire when security forces raided a safe house of terrorists based on intelligence tipoff.

Four other terrorists along with 6 children and 3 women were killed when they exploded the house following the raid. Three others are reported to be injured during the operations.

The spokesman said terrorists triggered three explosions and began firing following which forces retaliated and raided the house where a large cache of explosives was stored. Forces earlier recovered explosives, ISIS flags and backdrop, suicide kits and military uniforms from another safe house in nearby Samanthurai area last evening.

Security forces are conducting search operations all around the country and over 20 suspects were taken into custody in overnight operations.

Three people were arrested from Colombo area along with explosives on Friday evening. Security remain fluid and people have been advised to be vigilant.

The operations have begun following Sunday attacks at eight locations killing 253 people including 40 foreigners. President Maithirpala Sirisena on Friday said there are around 140 terrorists linked to IS and security forces have launched a hunt to nab them.

Srilankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe has taken collective responsibility and apologized for failure to protect victims of Sunday attacks.