Sri Lanka Heightens Security Amid Tourist Threats

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested three Sri Lankan nationals amid heightened security following warnings of potential terror attacks targeting Israeli tourists in the Arugam Bay region. The threat was reported after Indian intelligence tipped off Sri Lankan authorities, prompting warnings from the US, UK, Israel, and Australia, advising their citizens to avoid the area. The US Embassy in Colombo cited credible information about an attack on popular tourist spots, leading to increased security measures, including roadblocks and patrols. Israel's National Security Council has urged Israelis to leave the southern and western coastal areas immediately due to the threat, with tensions reportedly rising due to protests against Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The Sri Lankan government is coordinating with international intelligence services to protect tourists and ensure safety across the nation, particularly in tourist-heavy regions. These actions come as Sri Lanka aims to recover its tourism sector following a severe financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.