Sri Lanka Temporarily Suspends Flights To Israel

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara, says flights from Sri Lanka to Israel have been temporarily suspended.

The ambassador says the steps were taken due to the prevailing situation in the country.

The Ambassador adds if any individual is scheduled to visit Israel a revised date can be fixed following discussions with the relevant authorities.

He also says, no information on any Sri Lankans affected due to the current situation have been received as of yet.

On 14 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli's military bases in response to, and in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense as recognized under Article 51 of the Charter, against Israel's recurring military aggressions, resulting in the martyrdom of the Iranian military advisors present in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian government, in particular the 1st April armed attack against diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The statement also said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, while reiterating its determination to forcefully defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against any unlawful use of force and aggressions.”

The ministry went on to add, “The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force.”

Iran launched retaliatory attacks against the occupied territories on Saturday (13) night, after the Israeli regime struck the country’s embassy in Damascus on April 1, killing 7 high-ranking military officials.

The overnight escalation came more than six months into Israel’s devastating war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians and pushed the besieged territory to the brink of famine.

Israeli reports said Iran has already fired three waves of drones at Israeli positions, as well as a number of cruise missiles. Footage captured by citizens in Iraq, suggests Iran's famous Shahed-136 drones are among the UAVs launched at the occupied territories.

With the missiles and drone attack, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said it now deemed the matter “concluded” and warned Israel of a “considerably more severe” response should the “Israeli regime make another mistake”.