How Indian intelligence led to arrests as US and Israel asked tourists to leave Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay – Firstpost

On Wednesday, both the United States and Israel issued urgent travel advisories to their citizens, advising them to avoid specific coastal regions of Sri Lanka, particularly the popular tourist destination of Arugam Bay.

The warnings were prompted by credible information about a potential terrorist attack against popular tourist sites. The US Embassy in Sri Lanka said it had “received credible intelligence warning of an attack targeting popular tourist sites in the Arugam Bay area.”

This area, known for its surfing appeal, is frequented by many international travelers, including Israeli citizens.

Israel’s National Security Council responded by raising its travel advisory to the highest level (Level 4) for the southern and western coastal areas, including Arugam Bay.

The Council urged Israeli citizens to “immediately leave Arugam Bay and the southern and western coastal areas of Sri Lanka”.

Popular cities such as Ahangama, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Weligama have been specifically included in this release. Israelis currently in these regions have been advised to leave the country or move to the capital, Colombo, where local security forces are more concentrated.

Two arrests made amid terrorism alert

Local media reported on Thursday that two Sri Lankan citizens were arrested in connection with terrorist threats against Israelis. One of the suspects was based in Iraq and intelligence provided by India played a key role in his identification.

Following the arrests, Sri Lankan authorities increased security around the Chabad House in Arugam Bay, a Jewish community center, which was reportedly identified as a potential target.

“The information was that a place called ‘Chabad House’, run by Israelis, could be a target, and we took measures to reinforce security,” said police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa. He also acknowledged recent tensions between Jewish tourists and the Bay’s Muslim-majority community.

Notably, one of the targets of the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai was Chabad House, where seven people were killed.

Sri Lanka increases security

Sri Lanka’s police force responded by stepping up security around tourist sites. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya revealed that information about a possible attack was first received on October 7.

Thereafter, Sri Lanka’s security council held discussions and gave operational instructions to law enforcement authorities. Hundreds of police officers, along with intelligence personnel, were deployed to protect vulnerable areas. Roadblocks and security checkpoints were created, especially around places of worship and high-traffic tourist attractions.

“The Israeli security system is in close contact with Sri Lankan security authorities and monitors developments,” Israel’s National Security Council said. Israel also appealed to its citizens in the country to avoid gathering in large groups and remain vigilant.

The US Embassy’s warning was echoed by other nations, including Germany and Australia, which also updated their travel advisories, encouraging citizens to avoid affected regions in Sri Lanka.

A police statement confirmed that a hotline has been set up to allow tourists to report any safety concerns.

An already struggling tourism sector in Sri Lanka

The tourism industry, a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s economy, has struggled to recover from several setbacks, including the 2019 attacks and the recent economic crisis.

In the first eight months of this year, Sri Lanka welcomed around 1.5 million tourists, with Israelis accounting for approximately 1.5 percent of these visitors, or around 20,515 people. Arugam Bay, in particular, has become a favorite location for Israeli travelers, contributing to its growing tourist economy.

However, the influx of Israeli tourists has led to increased tensions in the area, especially due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Reports indicate that some local communities, especially among the Muslim population, have called for a boycott of Israeli-owned businesses in the area.

Hebrew signage is visible in many local establishments, a reflection of the Israeli presence.

Local Member of Parliament Rehan Jayawickreme expressed concern about the Israeli influx, posting on X: “To the Israelis who fuel this instability, let me make one thing clear: you cannot forcibly and illegally occupy our lands as you did in other places.” He stated that Israeli tourists and companies must “respect the laws of this country.”

The illegal activities of certain Israeli businessmen have persisted for too long. Despite numerous appeals to various governments to put an end to this situation and ensure fair play, these requests have been ignored. Now, we are facing a serious security threat that could derail…

-Rehan Jayawickreme (@RehanJayawick) October 23, 2024

In light of rising tensions, Israel’s security advisory has also warned its citizens to avoid flaunting their Jewish identity, whether through clothing or gatherings.

Rising tensions as Israel’s war in West Asia continues

The situation in Sri Lanka is complicated by tensions related to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza have been reported in the Buddhist-majority nation, although they have not escalated into significant violence.

While the specific nature of the potential attack remains unclear, concerns have increased due to previous terrorist incidents in Sri Lanka. In 2019, the country suffered devastating suicide bombings on Easter Sunday, which targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 270 people and injuring 500 others.

Since then, there have been no major terrorist attacks in the country, but the memory of that tragedy is great, especially as foreign tourists continue to return.

Sri Lankan police have promised increased security to ensure the safety of tourists during the upcoming holiday season, a critical period for the country’s fragile tourism industry.

They have designed a special security strategy taking into account the war situations in West Asia and Eastern Europe, which are creating broader security concerns around the world.

Sri Lanka now faces the challenge of safeguarding its tourism industry while protecting its visitors.

With contributions from agencies