COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Authorities in Sri Lanka have apprehended three individuals connected to warnings about a potential attack on Israeli tourists visiting the island nation. This announcement came from a government minister on Thursday, following heightened security measures implemented the previous day, after the United States issued a caution regarding a possible assault on a well-known tourist spot.

Public Security and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the three detained individuals are Sri Lankan citizens and are currently undergoing interrogation. However, he refrained from elaborating on the situation further, citing concerns that additional details could impede the ongoing investigation.

On Wednesday, the government announced increased security protocols in the Arugam Bay area, a sought-after surfing destination located in the eastern part of the country. This escalation followed intelligence gathered from another nation that indicated a potential threat to Israeli travelers. Herath noted on Thursday that the received information lacked specificity but hinted that there might be attempts to instigate disruptions, particularly at locations where Israeli nationals typically assemble for religious activities.

At present, there are approximately 575 Israeli nationals residing in Sri Lanka, according to Herath’s statements. Concurrently, the U.S. embassy in Sri Lanka issued a warning to American citizens, advising them to steer clear of the Arugam Bay region until further notice due to “credible information regarding an attack aimed at popular tourist sites” in that vicinity.

Israel’s government has also urged its citizens to evacuate the bay and other southern and western coastal regions of Sri Lanka immediately. To bolster security for both locals and tourists during the approaching year-end season, the government has implemented additional roadblocks, increased vehicle inspections, and deployed army and navy personnel among other measures.

As Sri Lanka gradually recovers from one of its most severe economic crises, the tourism sector plays a crucial role in this rebound. The industry faced substantial setbacks following the simultaneous suicide bombings at three hotels and three churches during Easter Sunday in 2019, which contributed significantly to the economic downturn that followed three years later.