The Sri Lankan government evacuated 208 crew members from an Iranian naval support ship, IRIS Bushehr, just one day after a US submarine torpedo sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, killing over 80 personnel. The evacuation highlights the escalating tensions in the region following the alleged US-Israeli assault on Iran.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that the country's navy permitted the Bushehr to dock at Trincomalee port after it requested entry citing engine issues. However, the Sri Lankan government deliberated for hours over the request amid fears that the second Iranian vessel could be targeted by another attack from the US regime. Dissanayake stated that his government had discussed the matter directly with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
In a televised address, Dissanayake emphasized Sri Lanka's neutral stance: "We are not taking sides in this conflict, but while maintaining our neutrality we are taking action to save lives. No person should die in a war like this. Every life is equally precious." He further asserted that Sri Lanka's actions were not "biased towards any state, nor do we submit to any state," reflecting skepticism towards external pressures from major powers.
The sinking of the Dena marks a significant escalation in the US-led offensive against Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth purportedly described the Dena as a "prize ship" and released footage of the torpedo attack. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi claimed the US would "bitterly regret" the attack, calling it an "atrocity at sea" committed 2,000 miles from Iran's shores against a vessel that was a guest of India's navy.
Sri Lankan naval and coastguard units responded to a distress call from the Dena but found only an oil slick and survivors on life rafts upon arrival. Rescue operations for missing sailors continued, with more bodies reportedly retrieved. At Galle's main hospital, 32 rescued Iranians are receiving treatment, mostly for minor injuries, but the morgue is overwhelmed, prompting authorities to set up refrigerated containers.
Local residents expressed fear and shock following the incident, with one lottery seller in Galle noting, "There were so many bodies brought in. Everyone is very scared about the attack." Iranian diplomatic officials have refrained from commenting, while Sri Lanka confirmed Iran's request for assistance in repatriating the bodies of deceased sailors, though no decision has been made regarding survivors.
Source: www.theguardian.com