May 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service has initiated an immediate investigation into four Sri Lankan individuals alleged to be ISIS suspects, who were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) upon their arrival at Ahmedabad Airport, Daily Mirror reported.
Senior defence officials have confirmed that Sri Lanka’s state intelligence has requested further information from their Indian counterparts to verify the background of the suspects and determine any connections to the ISIS network.
Upon receiving this information, Sri Lankan authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate actions.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects departed Colombo a few days ago, travelled to Chennai, and subsequently proceeded to Ahmedabad.
Security measures at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad were intensified following the arrests, according to Indian media.
The Gujarat ATS apprehended the suspects while they were allegedly awaiting instructions from their handler, who was expected to assign them specific tasks.
Encrypted messages were recovered from their phones, and they were detained before reaching their intended destination, reports added.
They are closely monitoring the situation, the Daily Mirror report added, citing comments from Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.
The two emphasised their commitment to collaborating with Indian authorities to gather comprehensive information about the suspects and their activities.
The Gujarat ATS has reportedly taken the suspects to an undisclosed location for intensive questioning.
The exact motive and intentions behind their presence at Ahmedabad Airport remain unclear.
