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Moscow concert hall attack: Death toll rises to 60 as Islamic state claims responsibility

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In a horrific incident on the outskirts of Moscow, at least 60 people have been killed and 145 others wounded after gunmen launched an attack on a concert hall, according to Russian security services.

The assailants, clad in camouflage gear and numbering at least four, stormed the Crocus City Hall in the north-western suburb of Krasnogorsk. The attack occurred just as the venue was about to host a rock concert, with the gunmen targeting both the foyer and the theatre itself.

Video footage from the scene depicted scenes of chaos and destruction, with the concert hall engulfed in flames and parts of the roof collapsing. The attack, described as the deadliest in Russia in years, left the nation reeling, especially as it coincided with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While the fate of the attackers remains unclear, state investigators are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack in an unverified statement online, although US officials have suggested that IS had intentions of targeting Russia.

Authorities swiftly mobilized, with Russia’s National Guard deploying special units to apprehend the assailants. Top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, were briefed on the situation and headed to Krasnogorsk.

The attack prompted heightened security measures, with the US embassy cautioning citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced the cancellation of all sports, cultural, and public events in the capital over the weekend.

As rescue efforts continue and the investigation unfolds, the tragic incident underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding public spaces.

(Agencies)

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4 suspected ISIS terrorists arrested in Ahmedabad, believed to be Sri Lankans

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Four suspected ISIS terrorists have been arrested from the Ahmedabad airport, days after the airport received a bomb threat. The terrorists are believed to be citizens of Sri Lanka.
The Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) made the arrests when they were allegedly waiting at the airport for their handler. The handler was supposed to give them task, sources said. The police have also recovered encrypted chats from their phones.

According to the sources, agents in Pakistan had promised them some weapons that they were likely to use in an attack but the suspected terrorists were caught before that.

The men allegedly reached Ahmedabad from Sri Lanka via Chennai. They were arrested before they could reach their target location.
On May 12, the Ahmedabad airport received a bomb threat email which turned out to be a hoax after security personnel searched the airport complex, but nothing suspicious was found. The threat email was sent by an unidentified person on the official email ID of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the afternoon, following which the security personnel at the airport scanned the entire airport, said Commissioner of Police, GS Malik.

Post a comment In August last year, the ATS arrested three persons from Rajkot for their alleged links to Al Qaeda. They were prima facie working for a Bangladeshi handler to radicalise and recruit people for the banned terrorist organisation.

(NDTV)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by NDTV has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Businessman who assaulted Iranian ambassador, further remanded

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The businessman who was arrested and remanded over the alleged assault on Iranian Ambassador Dr. Alireza Delkhosh at the Colombo City Center (CCC) car park, has been further remanded till May 22.

He was produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today (May 20).

The suspect, Buwaneka Mahasen Basnayake, a resident of Ward Place, Colombo 07 was arrested on Saturday.

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SLCFA unveils book on SL – China friendship

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The Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) recently launched the book “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” (Sri Lanka China Friendship) at a ceremonious event held recently at the Auditorium of the National Library and Documentation Services Board of Sri Lanka. 

The launch event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the former Speaker – Karu Jayasuriya, who was the keynote speaker, and Chinese ambassador in Colombo – Mr. Qi Zhenhong, who was the guest of honour.

Mr. Ananda Goonatilleke, Attorney-at-Law and President of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, chaired the event, reflecting on the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and China. The SLCFA, originally founded as the “Ceylon-China Friendship Union” on September 21, 1950, by the Ceylon Communist Party, stands as a pioneer in fostering people-to-people diplomatic ties between the two nations. 

The first president of the union was Madam Kusuma Gunawardena, mother of the current Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena.

In his welcome address, Mr. Goonatilleke introduced the book’s rich content, which encompasses a wide range of topics including historical ties, Buddhist connections, diplomatic relations, literature, economic and cultural cooperation, Chinese cuisine, China’s role and support in the war that defeated the LTTE, media, philatelic interests, photography, and more. He expressed gratitude to the authors who contributed invaluable articles and acknowledged the continuous support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka.

Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, in his keynote address, highlighted the significance of the Rice and Rubber Pact, emphasizing its role in solidifying the profound friendship between Sri Lanka and China. He commended the SLCFA for its seven-decade-long dedication to nurturing people-to-people relationships between the two countries.

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the first copies of “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama” by Mr. Goonatilleke to Karu Jayasuriya and the Chinese ambassador – Qi Zhenhong. The event also saw the presence of notable figures such as Dr. G. Weerasinghe, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka; Mr. Aruna Goonatilleke, SLCFA Executive Vice President; Vice Presidents Mr. Thilak Botheju, Mr. Daya Lankapura and Mr. Premadara Dissanayake; SLCFA office bearers and various civil society activists and members of the public.

All attendees were presented with a complimentary copy of “Sri Lanka Cheena Mithudama,” marking the occasion as a memorable celebration of the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and China.

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