Two said arrested in Sri Lanka amid terror threats against Israelis

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 report.

Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror, citing police sources, says that the Terrorism Investigation Division arrested two Sri Lankan nationals, including one who was based in Iraq.

It says details on the two had been supplied by the intelligence service in neighboring India.

Yesterday, Israel’s National Security Council called on Israelis to leave the popular surfing area, 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.

Israelis should postpone travel to the rest of the country, the warning continued. They were also urged to hide signs that indicate they are Israelis and avoid gathering in large numbers.

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka said earlier it had “received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations” in eastern Arugam Bay, prompting the island nation’s police to pledge more security for tourists.