The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombing attacks last Sunday in Sri Lanka. The group said its fighters carried out the series of explosions, which claimed 321 lives.

The Amaq news agency, which has links to the Islamic State militant group, issued an online statement on Tuesday claiming responsibility.

The statement refers to seven people as perpetrators, citing their names and roles in the attacks.

The statement says that the attacks targeted people celebrating Easter and that two fighters detonated explosives they were wearing.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told a news conference that some evidence points to foreign links.

A local organization suspected of involvement has been identified as the National Towheeth Jamaath.

Documents NHK obtained from Sri Lanka's investigative authorities indicate the Islamic extremist group is based in eastern Sri Lanka.

NHK