By: Staff Writer
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination, has recently been flagged as a potential terror target, sparking international concern.
The warnings stem from credible intelligence, reportedly from Indian sources, which indicated possible attacks aimed at foreign nationals, particularly Israelis.
Both the U.S. and Israeli governments issued travel advisories to their citizens, urging them to avoid the region due to this security threat.
As a response, Sri Lanka has intensified its security measures, with Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath confirming the arrest of six suspects linked to the threat, including one Maldivian national.
Israeli authorities had previously warned their citizens about potential terror attacks not only in Arugam Bay but also in other Sri Lankan tourist spots such as Galle, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Ahangama.
The National Security Council (NSC) of Israel raised the threat level for these locations to Level 4, the highest alert, advising Israelis to vacate these areas and relocate to Colombo where security is more robust.
For other parts of Sri Lanka, the threat level has been set at Level 3, and non-essential travel to the country has been discouraged.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo also acted on credible intelligence about potential attacks targeting tourists in Arugam Bay, imposing an immediate travel restriction for embassy personnel and strongly advising American citizens to avoid the area.
This advisory came amid additional warnings from Australia, which alerted its citizens to an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks in areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Sri Lanka.
The security concerns are compounded by recent geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has reportedly led to friction between Israeli visitors and some local communities in Sri Lanka.
In Arugam Bay, the establishment of a temporary synagogue by Israeli tourists and the presence of visible Israeli cultural symbols have sparked unease among locals who express solidarity with Palestine.
This has prompted Sri Lankan police to ramp up security around areas frequented by Israelis, including the synagogue and other tourist sites, to prevent potential confrontations.
Israel’s National Security Council has urged Israelis in Sri Lanka to exercise caution by avoiding displays of national symbols, Hebrew apparel, and public gatherings, especially in unsecured locations.
These precautionary measures are part of Israel’s strategy to reduce visibility and mitigate risks of attacks in response to heightened local sensitivities and geopolitical tensions.
The threat in Sri Lanka is also believed to be linked to wider regional unrest, including the killing of Hezbollah leaders, which some speculate may have inspired potential retaliatory actions.
In response, Sri Lankan authorities have scaled up their security operations, implementing widespread surveillance and conducting security checks across key areas to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
As Sri Lanka navigates this heightened security situation, it continues to collaborate with international security agencies, including those from Israel and the U.S., to address any emerging threats.
These coordinated efforts aim to reinforce security in vulnerable regions, safeguard foreign nationals, and stabilize the area amidst escalating geopolitical pressures.
