Sri Lankan police engage in shootout during raid

Shooting erupted between security forces and a group of men in eastern Sri Lanka on Friday during a search and cordon operation related to the Easter Sunday attacks, a military spokesman said.

The raid took place in the town of Ampara Sainthamaruthu near Batticaloa, reports Reuters on Friday.

The spokesman said there was an explosion in the area and when soldiers went to investigate they were fired upon. No details of casualties were immediately available.

Since the suicide bombings on churches and hotels, police have been conducting raids across the country to find more details about the perpetrators and their supporters. Islamic State has claimed responsibility.