Sri Lankan Authorities Investigate Handler of ISIS Terrorists Arrested in India

Sri Lankan authorities are intensively investigating Osmand Gerrard, a 46-year-old resident of Dematagoda, suspected of being the handler of four Sri Lankan nationals arrested in India last week for their alleged links to the Islamic State (ISIS). Gerrard is known to frequently change his appearance, complicating efforts to locate him. A cash reward of Rs. 2 million has been announced for any credible information on his whereabouts.

Why this matters: This investigation highlights the ongoing threat of international terrorism and its complex networks. If left unchecked, these activities can have devastating consequences for global security and stability.

The four arrested individuals, all Sri Lankan nationals, were detained at Ahmedabad airport in India on May 19. They were identified as Mohammed Nusrat, Mohammad Nafran, Mohammad Faris, and Mohammad Rashdeen. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) seized three pistols and cartridges, along with a mobile phone, from their possession.

Mohammed Nusrat, 35, is a businessman involved in importing telecommunication devices and electrical equipment from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai. Mohammad Nafran, 27, is the son of notorious underworld criminal Niyas Naufer, who was sentenced to death for the killing of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya. Mohammad Faris, 35, a cart puller from Maligawatte, Colombo, had been previously arrested on March 11, 2023, and November 1, 2023. Mohammad Rashdeen, 43, a three-wheeler driver from Colombo, is suspected of being linked to trafficking crystal meth.

The investigation revealed that the four men were allegedly on a mission to carry out terror activities in India, following the directions of their Pakistan-based handler. They were paid Rs 4 lakh in Sri Lankan currency to execute these plans. The four men took an Indigo flight from Colombo to Chennai on May 19 and then another flight to Ahmedabad, where they were arrested upon landing.

Sri Lankan authorities have launched a high-powered operation to investigate the four arrested individuals and their potential connections to Osmand Gerrard. The Sri Lankan government has stated that India will deal with the four arrested citizens, while Lankan authorities will probe if they were involved in any acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka.

The case highlights the ongoing threat of international terrorism and the complex web of connections that facilitate these activities. Authorities hope to uncover more information about the suspects' activities and their links to ISIS as the probe moves forward.

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lankan authorities investigate Osmand Gerrard, suspected handler of 4 ISIS-linked nationals arrested in India.
• The 4 arrested individuals, all Sri Lankan nationals, were detained at Ahmedabad airport with weapons and a mobile phone.
• They allegedly planned to carry out terror activities in India, following directions from a Pakistan-based handler.
• A cash reward of Rs. 2 million is offered for information on Osmand Gerrard's whereabouts.
• The case highlights the ongoing threat of international terrorism and its complex networks.