In Sri Lanka, authorities have arrested two individuals, including one reportedly based in Iraq, in connection with terror threats against Israelis in the popular Arugam Bay area and other coastal regions. The arrests follow warnings from the National Security Council urging Israelis to evacuate these tourist hotspots immediately due to potential attacks.
Intelligence shared by India’s security services prompted the arrests, and local police have increased security at the Chabad House Jewish community center, identified as a potential target. Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that security measures have been intensified in light of tensions between Jewish tourists and the predominantly Muslim local population.
The Sri Lankan government advised Israelis to leave the country or relocate to Colombo, where security presence is heightened. Prior to the warnings, the US Embassy had reported credible threats targeting tourist locations in eastern Arugam Bay. These alerts were echoed by Britain and Canada, while the Russian embassy advised its citizens to avoid crowded areas.
Despite the reduced presence of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka since the October 7 attack by Hamas, Arugam Bay remains a favored destination for the Israeli community. The country has seen no major terror incidents since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, but recent unrest in the region has led to heightened vigilance against potential attacks on Jewish visitors.