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How India Saved Israelis from a Major Attack in Sri Lanka: An Inside Story

Sri Lankan authorities arrest suspects at Arugam Bay following intelligence tip-off from India to prevent an attack on Israeli tourists amidst escalating Israel-Hamas tensions.

Sri Lanka

India’s intelligence agency recently prevented a major attack on Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka, underscoring the escalating tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The U.S. has also issued warnings to its citizens in Sri Lanka, advising those planning trips to consider delaying due to the current security risks. This highlights the global implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with fears that Iran and its allies—such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—may be targeting Israelis abroad.

According to Sri Lankan authorities, some individuals were allegedly preparing an attack on Israeli tourists in the Arugam Bay area, a popular destination for surfing on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. Indian intelligence alerted Sri Lankan police about the threat, leading to the arrest of three suspects who were reportedly planning an assault on Israeli visitors. Sri Lanka's Public Safety Minister, Vijitha Herath, confirmed that Indian intelligence provided vital information on the planned attack, prompting local authorities to take swift action and detain the suspects.

Just prior to this, the U.S. Embassy had issued a warning to American tourists visiting Sri Lanka, particularly cautioning those in Arugam Bay. The U.S. urged tourists to avoid visiting the country for the time being, with similar warnings coming from the British High Commission.

Sri Lankan authorities have heightened security measures, restricting unknown individuals from approaching foreign tourists to ensure their safety. Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya revealed that the intelligence tip from India arrived on October 7, enabling them to deploy 500 additional officers to secure the area. Israel's Security Council also elevated the threat level in Arugam Bay to Level 4, advising its citizens to leave the area or move to Colombo, the capital, where a stronger security presence is maintained.

Sri Lanka remains a popular tourist destination, drawing 1.5 million visitors in the first eight months of this year alone, with over 20,000 Israeli tourists among them. However, the recent Israel-Gaza conflict has stirred tensions. The country, predominantly Buddhist with a significant Muslim population, has seen local calls to boycott Israeli businesses due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while some officials expressed concerns over Israeli visitors overstaying their visas and violating local laws.

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