'Could be targeted': Concerns as 2nd Iranian ship approaches Lanka
What's the story
A second Iranian warship is reportedly heading toward Sri Lanka, just a day after a United States submarine sank the IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate. The incident resulted in the death of at least 87 sailors. The new vessel is now positioned just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters and has sought permission for an urgent port call.
Safety fears
We are doing our utmost to safeguard lives: Minister
Sri Lankan Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said they are doing their best to ensure the safety of lives. The new ship has over 100 crew members on board, sources told AFP, afraid they would be targeted the same way a sister ship was sunk on Tuesday night, just off Sri Lanka's southern coast, by the United States. "We are doing our utmost to safeguard lives," Jayatissa said.
Strategic discussions
Iran warship positioned outside Sri Lankan territorial waters
Per AFP, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called a meeting of senior government and security leaders to discuss Iran's request for the warship to enter Sri Lanka's waters. The vessel is currently positioned just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters, according to officials quoted by AFP. However, no further operational details have been disclosed.
Mourning and care
Preparations underway to hand over remains of sailors
In Galle, preparations are underway to hand over the remains of 87 Iranian sailors killed in the torpedo attack. The warship sank about 40km south of Galle after sending out a distress call early Wednesday. Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath told AFP search operations are still on for missing sailors from this incident. The destroyed warship was returning home after a military exercise in India's Visakhapatnam when it was attacked.