Sri Lanka Was Warned 'Hours Before' Easter Suicide Attacks, Sources Say
Indian intelligence officers reportedly contacted their Sri Lankan counterparts two hours before the first attack to warn of a specific threat on churches
Sri Lankan intelligence officials were tipped off about an imminent attack by Islamist militants hours before a series of suicide bombings killed more than 300 people on Easter Sunday, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.
Three churches and four hotels were hit by suicide bombers on Sunday morning, killing 321 people and wounding 500, sending shockwaves through an island state that has been relatively peaceful since a civil war ended a decade ago.
>> Read more: Israel offers assistance following bomb attacks in Sri Lanka ■ Sri Lanka bombings follow a troubled recent history marked by war | Explained
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks on Tuesday, without providing evidence of its involvement.
Indian intelligence officers contacted their Sri Lankan counterparts two hours before the first attack to warn of a specific threat on churches, one Sri Lankan defense source and an Indian government source said.
Another Sri Lankan defense source said a warning came "hours before" the first strike.
One of the Sri Lankan sources said a warning was also sent by the Indians on Saturday night. The Indian government source said similar messages had been given to Sri Lankan intelligence agents on April 4 and April 20.
- ISIS claims responsibility for Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings
- Fox News hosts slam Obama and Clinton's reactions to Sri Lanka attacks
- Sri Lanka blasts: 253 dead, hundreds wounded on Easter Sunday
Sri Lanka's presidency and the Indian foreign ministry both did not respond to requests for comment.