by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Reliable defence sources in Colombo have asserted that while Sri Lanka continues rescue operations for crew members aboard the stranded Iranian vessel IRINS Booshehr, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is reportedly in the process of taking control of the ship. Sources say the move reflects growing foreign pressure in Sri Lankan waters, even as hundreds of Iranian nationals remain stranded at sea, heightening diplomatic and security tensions in the region.
The Iranian naval ships IRINS Booshehr and Tonb arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (16th February 2024), welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions. IRINS Booshehr, a 107-meter vessel with 270 crew members, is commanded by Commander Mahdi Balvardi.
During a previous visit to Sri Lanka, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized the importance of regional maritime security, stating, “Cooperation with partner nations like Sri Lanka is critical to ensuring safe navigation and stability across the Indian Ocean.”
