Sri Lanka Evacuates Iranian Navy Crew Amid Escalating US-Iran Conflict
Sri Lanka has taken decisive action by evacuating 208 crew members from an Iranian navy vessel, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced on Thursday. This move comes just one day after a dramatic US submarine attack sank another Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, in a significant escalation of hostilities under Operation Epic Fury.
Second Iranian Warship Redirected to Safe Harbor
According to President Dissanayake, Sri Lanka's navy will also assume control of a second Iranian vessel, identified as IRIS Bushehr, and relocate it to the northeastern port of Trincomalee for protective custody. This precautionary measure stems from genuine concerns that this ship could face targeting similar to its sister vessel, which was destroyed off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday.
The IRIS Bushehr was reportedly carrying close to 300 crew members and cadets when the decision was made to secure it. The sinking of IRIS Dena has occurred against the backdrop of a widening conflict initiated by a joint US-Israel assault on Iran, with repercussions now extending beyond the Middle East.
Iran's Stern Warning to the United States
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has vehemently condemned the attack on IRIS Dena, issuing a stark warning to Washington. In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi stated, "The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning." He further emphasized, "Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set."
Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath engaged in diplomatic discussions, contacting Araghchi on Wednesday to express profound concern over the escalating violence and advocate for peaceful dialogue. Initial reports from Sri Lanka indicated approximately 180 individuals were aboard the stricken ship, a figure higher than Iran's count, when it was hit by a torpedo in what US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described as a "quiet death."
Ongoing Medical Care for Rescued Personnel
Medical authorities have confirmed that 32 rescued Iranians continue to receive treatment at a hospital under stringent security provided by police and elite commando units. Officials have noted that those with minor injuries will be discharged shortly as recovery progresses.
This incident underscores the volatile nature of current geopolitical tensions, with Sri Lanka emerging as a critical neutral actor facilitating evacuations and ensuring maritime safety amidst international confrontations.
