Sri Lankan police have arrested two people believed to be planning an attack on Israeli tourists, according to local news. The country received a tip from Indian intelligence services, which helped them uncover the alleged plot.
The arrests took place in the popular surfing town of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, a spot known for drawing tourists from all over, including Israel. Authorities suspect that the two arrested individuals may have been planning an attack on a location used as a synagogue, a place where Jewish tourists might gather. According to reports, one of the suspects lives in Iraq but was visiting Sri Lanka, his home country.
The warning from Indian intelligence was issued on October 7, and police quickly took action. On Wednesday, Sri Lankan officials raised a public alert about a potential threat to tourists in Arugam Bay and deployed around 500 officers to increase security in the area. This security measure wasn’t only for Israeli visitors but also for other foreign tourists. The alert was serious enough for Israel’s Security Council to label Arugam Bay a “Level 4 threat,” their highest warning level, advising Israelis in Sri Lanka to either move to Colombo, the capital or leave the country.
Other countries, including the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, also warned their citizens to be cautious in Sri Lanka. Arugam Bay remains under watch, and extra officers are still patrolling the area.
Tourism is a big part of Sri Lanka’s economy, with over 1.5 million people visiting in the first eight months of the year, more than 20,000 of whom were Israeli. Most Sri Lankans are Buddhist, but the country also has a large Muslim community. Due to the conflict in Gaza, some local Muslim groups have even called for boycotting Israeli businesses, and media reports indicate that some Israeli visitors may have overstayed their visas, adding tension to the situation.
Sri Lankan officials are working to ensure everyone’s safety, especially in tourist-heavy areas, as they continue investigating the situation and monitor any future threats.
