On October 24, 2024, Sri Lankan authorities arrested three individuals linked to perceived threats against Israeli tourists, raising concerns over safety at popular tourist spots.
Three Arrested in Sri Lanka Over Threats Against Israeli Tourists
Three Arrested in Sri Lanka Over Threats Against Israeli Tourists
Sri Lankan officials apprehend individuals amid heightened security alerts for tourists following travel warnings.
The police in Sri Lanka announced the arrests of three nationals amid growing fears for Israeli tourists following warnings issued by the U.S. and Israeli governments concerning potential attacks.
The arrests were made public on Thursday, following a day of intense scrutiny after the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka alerted its citizens to avoid the tourist hotspot of Arugam Bay due to credible threats. According to Vijitha Herath, a government spokesman, the apprehended suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as part of an ongoing investigation. “Further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigations,” he stated during a news briefing.
The U.S. Embassy's statement emphasized the seriousness of the threat, implementing immediate travel restrictions for its personnel in the region. The embassy warned of attacks that could target popular tourist destinations in Arugam Bay. Similarly, Israel’s National Security Council urged its citizens to leave the area immediately and adopt caution by avoiding any public displays that may associate them with Israeli identity, including specific clothing or group gatherings.
In response to the threat landscape, the British Foreign Office also updated its travel advisories for Sri Lanka, advising that potential attacks could affect individuals in public places frequented by tourists such as hotels, tourist sites, and religious venues. As part of a broader security initiative, police have augmented protective measures in known tourist locations, including Colombo, Ella, and Weligama. This security reinforcement, as indicated by police officials, is partly due to ongoing Jewish celebrations, prompting the establishment of temporary prayer spaces for visiting Jewish tourists.
As investigations continue, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of foreign nationals within Sri Lanka.
*Pamodi Waravita contributed reporting from Sri Lanka. Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news.*
The arrests were made public on Thursday, following a day of intense scrutiny after the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka alerted its citizens to avoid the tourist hotspot of Arugam Bay due to credible threats. According to Vijitha Herath, a government spokesman, the apprehended suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as part of an ongoing investigation. “Further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigations,” he stated during a news briefing.
The U.S. Embassy's statement emphasized the seriousness of the threat, implementing immediate travel restrictions for its personnel in the region. The embassy warned of attacks that could target popular tourist destinations in Arugam Bay. Similarly, Israel’s National Security Council urged its citizens to leave the area immediately and adopt caution by avoiding any public displays that may associate them with Israeli identity, including specific clothing or group gatherings.
In response to the threat landscape, the British Foreign Office also updated its travel advisories for Sri Lanka, advising that potential attacks could affect individuals in public places frequented by tourists such as hotels, tourist sites, and religious venues. As part of a broader security initiative, police have augmented protective measures in known tourist locations, including Colombo, Ella, and Weligama. This security reinforcement, as indicated by police officials, is partly due to ongoing Jewish celebrations, prompting the establishment of temporary prayer spaces for visiting Jewish tourists.
As investigations continue, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of foreign nationals within Sri Lanka.
*Pamodi Waravita contributed reporting from Sri Lanka. Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news.*
