Sri Lanka has rescued 208 sailors from Iran’s second warship operating near its waters, amid heightened tensions as the US-Israel conflict with Iran entered its seventh day.
According to the report, Iran had sought permission for the vessel’s safety to enter Sri Lanka’s maritime limits, fearing it could be targeted. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with senior officials before a decision was taken.
Following the talks, the warship identified as ‘Irin Bushehr’ was diverted to the Trincomalee port in the east. Sri Lanka Navy personnel then evacuated the 208 crew members and transported them to Colombo.
President Dissanayake said the ship had been drifting mid-sea due to an engine malfunction, and the operation was carried out on humanitarian grounds to save lives. He reiterated that Sri Lanka would maintain a neutral foreign policy and urged all sides to work toward peace, warning that the war could impact the global economy and people’s lives.
