The National Security Council of Israel calls on Israelis to leave Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay area and other beaches in the island’s south and west immediately, citing terrorism threats.

“Those leaving these areas are advised to leave the country or at least to the capital Colombo, where there is a high presence of local security forces,” says the NSC.

Israelis should postpone travel to the rest of the country, says the warning. They are also urged to hide signs that indicate they are Israelis and avoid gathering in large numbers.

Israel says it is in close contact with Sri Lankan authorities.

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka also warned citizens earlier of a possible threat to Israeli travelers at a popular surfing destination, prompting the island nation’s police to pledge more security for tourists.

The embassy said it had “received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations” in eastern Arugam Bay. (Times of Israel)