Security forces clash with suspected terrorists in Kalmunai

• 3 people injured, bodies of 2 suspected terrorists recovered, 1 civilian dead
• Raid of Samanthurai house finds IS flags and clothes as seen in IS video 
• Military suspects it to be house where Sunday’s attackers took oath
• Kilo of C4 explosives taken into custody with 3 people  

A joint operation carried out in Nindawur, Kalmunai by the Sri Lanka Army, Special Task Force and the Police resulted in one civilian death and three injured.

Two bodies suspected to be those of terrorists believed to have died in suicide blasts during the explosion were recovered, the Army Media unit said. No other casualties were reported at the time of going to press. The shoot-out which lasted nearly two hours began when the joint operation team rushed to Nindawur area after hearing an explosion behind the Mosque. 

The team acting on a tip was carrying out a search operation in Samanthurai and then engaged with the terrorists, number yet unknown, until the situation was brought to a control. However no search has been carried out yet, and the area has been cordoned off until the Army has cleared the area. 

“It is difficult to carry out any search or clearing exercise during the night, it will be done tomorrow morning,” the Army Media unit said.

Police said a cache of explosives used to produce bombs was seized from a house in Samanthurai, following a raid on intelligence information. 

Police also found ISIS uniforms, curtains with the IS logo, 150 gelignite sticks, 100,000 metal balls and a drone camera from Samanthurai.

Soon after the raid, several explosions, believed to be suicide attacks, were reported during the shootout between security forces and a suspicious group in Kalmunai. 

The authorities imposed Police curfew with immediate effect and until further notice in Kalmunai, Chawalakade and Samanthurai Police areas.

Three people travelling in a three-wheeler with a kilo of C4 explosives were also taken into custody by the Navy.