Rescue and return of Stranded Sailors
Sri Lanka returned 238 Iranian sailors stranded in the country after an attack by a US sub near their waters. After the attack, the sailors were stuck for more than a month in Sri Lanka.
After completing the necessary procedures, authorities arranged for special flights to safely return them to Iran.
Deathly attack on Iranian Warship
On 4 March, a US sub launched a torpedo at the Iranian navy vessel Iris Dena. This attack took place about 40 km off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
A powerful explosion caused by the strike sank a ship. The attack claimed the lives of 104 sailors.
The Second Vessel Needs to Dock Immediately
The second Iranian vessel, Irins Bushehr requested an emergency docking at Sri Lanka a day after the attacks. It was a vessel with engine issues that needed immediate help.
About 15 Iranians will remain behind to maintain and operate the vessel which is anchored.
Sri Lanka: Humanitarian Aid
Sri Lankan authorities issued 30 day visas for the sailors, and offered them shelter at navy and airforce camps.
Anura Kumara dissanayake, the president of Sri Lanka, said that his country had acted for humanitarian reasons.
Sri Lanka, he said, aims to safeguard lives and maintain its neutrality in international conflicts.
Growing Regional Tensions
The sinking by the United States of America, Israel and Iran, of Iris Dena occurred early on in their ongoing conflict.
This attack was a significant escalation of tensions in the entire region.
The officials stressed that they were responding based on their humanitarian responsibilities, not political affiliation.
