India’s Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested four Sri Lankan nationals at Ahmedabad airport on Monday. Authorities linked the suspects to the Islamic State (ISIS). The four were reportedly in contact with a key ISIS leader known as Abu. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the arrests.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) discovered an ISIS flag and three loaded pistols among their belongings. The police said analysis of seized mobile phones revealed photos and videos suggesting the suspects’ involvement with the militant group. Additional weapons and another IS flag were found at a location near Ahmedabad.

The suspects, who traveled from Colombo to Chennai and then to Ahmedabad, had allegedly been instructed by a Pakistani handler to collect the weapons. Local media reported that the suspects told police that they were previously associated with the banned Sri Lankan militant group, National Thowheeth Jamath (NJT).

During interrogation, the suspects admitted to planning terrorist activities in India, supported by substantial financial backing. They were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code(IPC), and the Arms Act.

Following the arrest, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased security at the Ahmedabad International Airport, which is also seeing heightened activity due to the arrival of Indian Premier League teams ahead of the 2024 play-off.

These arrests come shortly after Assam Police detained India’s alleged ISIS head, Haris Farooqi, highlighting ongoing efforts to counter terrorist activities in the region.