The government of Sri Lanka wants to expand cooperation with the United States to prevent future attacks in the country, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said on Thursday after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Tilak Marapana
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 16th May, 2019) The government of Sri Lanka wants to expand cooperation with the United States to prevent future attacks in the country, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said on Thursday after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Tilak Marapana."The Secretary reiterated the United States' condemnation of the attacks that Sri Lanka suffered last month, which also killed five Americans, and strong US support for Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism," Ortagus said in a release. "Foreign Minister Marapana noted appreciation for US support in the aftermath of the bombings and conveyed Sri Lanka's interest in deepening cooperation to prevent future attacks."
On April 21, during Easter Sunday, Sri Lanka was hit by a series of eight nationwide deadly bombings killing over 300 and injuring many more. The Islamic State terrorist group (banned in Russia) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks. In a massive counter-terrorist operation - which included curfew and ban on major social networks and instant messaging apps - police claimed it had detained or killed all suspected perpetrators.
According to Sri Lanka's authorities, some 130-140 active Islamic State members are currently present in the country.
