News agencies in Sri Lanka and around the world report the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for bombings Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka.
The New York Times said the terrorist organization had not provided proof it is behind the attacks in three churches, three luxury hotels and three other sites in the Asian country. The Islamic State made the claim through its Aamaq news agency.
The Associated Press reported Sri Lankan Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardene claimed the bombings were in retaliation for last month's shooting massacre at two mosques in Christ Church, New Zealand. He did not offer Parliament evidence for his claim, and the office of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said it had received no intelligence to back the claim.
The shootings in Christ Church claimed 50 lives and is the worst mass shooting in the South Pacific country's history.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Sri Lanka has climbed to 321 people now, with more than 500 others reported injured.
On Monday, CNN reported government officials admitted authorities had received multiple warnings the attacks were imminent including one from a local Islamist group known for vandalizing Buddhist statues.
The country will observe an official day of mourning Tuesday.
