More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded after US torpedo attack return home
More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded after US torpedo attack return home
Over 200 Iranian sailors who were left in limbo in Sri Lanka following a US torpedo strike have finally departed the country. The sailors, who had been residing in the nation for over a month, were evacuated on Tuesday night after being rescued from two Iranian vessels, the Iris Dena and Irins Bushehr. Sri Lanka’s Deputy Defence Minister, Aruna Jayasekara, announced the successful repatriation of the crews.
The Torpedo Attack
The Iris Dena, an Iranian warship, sank on 4 March approximately 40km (25 miles) from Sri Lanka’s southern coast after being struck by a torpedo from a US submarine. The incident resulted in the deaths of 104 crew members. Days later, on March 5, Sri Lanka gained control of the Irins Bushehr, which had sought to dock at one of the country’s ports following an engine failure.
Sri Lanka’s Humanitarian Role
“Our position has been to safeguard our neutrality while demonstrating our humanitarian values,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated when announcing the decision to assist the Iranian vessel. “We intervened in a way that protected the reputation and dignity of our country, and human lives.”
The Sri Lankan government issued 30-day entry visas for the stranded sailors, who were temporarily housed in navy and air force camps. The crews of both ships were flown out of the country on Tuesday, marking the end of their temporary stay.
Context of the Incident
The Iris Dena had been en route from a military exercise organized by India when it was attacked. A video released by the US Department of Defense captured the moment the ship was hit, showing its stern lifting before an explosion occurred. The remains of 84 sailors killed in the attack were later transported back to Iran via a chartered plane.
Conflict Escalation
The sinking of the Iris Dena in international waters occurred shortly after the US-Israeli conflict with Iran intensified. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, targeting nations aligned with the US. Despite the ongoing tensions, about 15 Iranian sailors will remain in Sri Lanka to manage the Irins Bushehr, which is anchored off Trincomalee in the northeast.
Sri Lanka’s Neutral Stance
Sri Lanka has upheld its non-aligned policy since gaining independence in 1948. The country maintains robust economic and diplomatic relationships with both Iran and the US, allowing it to navigate the geopolitical tensions without taking sides. This incident underscored its commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian aid.
