Two people have been arrested in Sri Lanka amid terror threats against Israelis in Arugam Bay area and other beaches in the island’s south and west, local media reported Thursday. Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror, citing police sources, said that the Terrorism Investigation Division arrested two Sri Lankan nationals, including one who was based in Iraq. It said details on the two had been supplied by the intelligence service in neighboring India.
The arrests came a day after the National Security Council called on Israelis to leave the popular tourist area and surfing resorts immediately, citing terrorism threats. “Those leaving these areas are advised to leave the country or at least to the capital Colombo, where there is a high presence of local security forces,” said the NSC. The warning said Israelis should postpone travel to the rest of the country, and were also urged to hide signs that indicate they are Israelis and avoid gathering in large numbers.
Israel said it was in close contact with Sri Lankan authorities. In the wake of the warning, Sri Lanka said it had increased security at the Chabad House Jewish community center in Arugam Bay. “The information was that a place called ‘Chabad House’ run by Israelis could be a target and we have taken measures to strengthen security,” said police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa.
He said there had recently been tensions between Jewish tourists visiting Chabad House and the bay’s Muslim-majority population. The army and the .
