US, Israel warn of potential attacks on Sri Lankan tourist spots

United States and Israeli authorities warned their citizens on Wednesday against traveling to certain popular tourist spots in Sri Lanka, after receiving “credible” threats of an impending attack.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a notice that it received “credible information warning of an attack” on tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.

“Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy imposed a travel restriction on Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice,” the warning read. “U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.”

The U.S. Embassy warned citizens to report suspicious activity to authorities, “always maintain vigilance,” “trust your gut” and get out of situations that don’t “feel right.”

Americans are also encouraged to monitor local media for updates and always keep a cellphone handy.

The Israeli National Security Council called on all Israelis to “immediately leave” the Arugam Bay area and south and west coastal areas, specifically including the cities of Ahangame, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Weligama.

In those areas, the travel alert was raised to a level 4, which recommends to citizens that they leave the country or travel to the capital city Colombo, “where there is heavier presence of security forces.”

Israeli officials raised the travel alert to level 3 for the rest of the country, meaning citizens are urged to delay any nonessential trips to the country and, for those there, avoid level-4 areas.

Israel’s security council urged Israelis to “exercise increased precaution."

“When in public, avoid openly exhibiting anything that could identify you as Israeli, such as t-shirts with Hebrew writing, or any symbol that discloses your religion or nationality,” the Israeli security council advised, adding that Israeli citizens should also avoid gathering together in public places where there is no security.

Israel said its security forces “are in close contact” with Sri Lankan security forces and are “monitoring the developments.”

Sri Lankan police and intelligence units on Wednesday said they were implementing “a special program for ensuring the safety of tourists.”

Police said it created a new emergency telephone line, 1997, specifically for tourists to call with security-related concerns. The Sri Lankan Tourist Police Division “will be further strengthened,” the police said, and local police stations will hear from the division with more specific guidance going forward.