Sri Lankan Police Arrest Three Locals Over Planned Terror Attack on Israelis

Latest Developments

Police in Sri Lanka arrested three locals on October 24 over a planned terrorist attack against Israeli tourists visiting the South Asian island nation. According to the Israeli news outlet Ynet, India’s intelligence agency warned Sri Lankan authorities of a planned attack targeting Israelis between October 19-23. The arrests came one day after Israel’s National Security Council issued a travel warning calling on Israeli citizens to leave Arugam Bay and the south and west coastal areas of Sri Lanka over “credible threats of terrorism.” The Mossad intelligence agency also warned that terrorists directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were planning to attack in the near future, Israeli outlet Kan News reported. One of the detained individuals reportedly traveled from Iraq.

Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath said the suspects were Sri Lankan nationals who are currently being questioned. Separately, police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa noted that the target was an Israeli-run center affiliated with Chabad, a prominent Jewish religious organization.

Israeli-Sri Lankan bilateral ties strengthened earlier this year, as both countries signed an aviation agreement on February 15 allowing direct flights between the two nations. Israel’s transportation minister, Miri Regev, estimated that up to 50,000 Israeli tourists would be able to visit Sri Lanka per year.

Expert Analysis

“Sri Lanka is no stranger to terrorist attacks linked to Iraq: On Easter day in 2019, Sri Lankans with ties to the Islamic State (ISIS) killed 249 people in a series of coordinated attacks on churches and resorts. One of the suspects in the latest plot is said to be based in Iraq, which means he could be linked to Iran — which has a long history of terror attacks worldwide and a massive network of proxy militias — or to the ISIS terrorist organization. Israelis should take the utmost caution when traveling overseas and visiting resorts, as these are prime targets for terrorists.” — Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow and Editor of FDD’s Long War Journal

“Should it be confirmed that Iran was behind the attempted terrorist attack, it would further substantiate the growing body of evidence indicating that the regime is actively conducting a sustained campaign of terrorism and assassination attempts against Israelis. Remarkably, Israel’s security agencies have identified and thwarted many of these threats. Despite this, Iran will likely continue its efforts to target Israelis, and the Jewish State’s intelligence agencies will remain vigilant and prepared to counter these plots.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

Related Analysis

“IRGC Official Among Plotters Indicted for Attempted Murder of U.S.-Based Iranian Dissident,” FDD Flash Brief

“Mossad Operation in Iran Nets Terror Plot Leader,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran Caught Again Trying to Kill Israeli Civilians Abroad,” FDD Flash Brief