3 arrested in connection with Jakarta blasts

Indonesian police on Friday arrested three suspects in connection with the Islamic-State claimed twin suicide bomb attacks that rocked a bus terminal in the Indonesian capital, killing five people.

Three policemen died in the attacks that occurred on Wednesday at Jakarta's Kampung Melayu bus station.

"Yes, we have arrested three people. Their initials are JIS, WS and AK," East Java Police spokesperson Yusri Yunus told EFE.

"We are still examining the crime scene," he added. "So far, we have gathered evidence such as mobile phones, personal documents and eyewitness accounts."

The suspects were arrested in the city of Bandung, located 149 km southeast of Bangkok, and other locations in East Java province.

The Islamic State terror organisation on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack through its news agency Amaq.

Several embassies and the delegation of the European Union in Indonesia and Brunei condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

The double bombing was the latest in a series of violent attacks in Indonesia in recent months, all of which were claimed by the IS.

--IANS

soni/dg