Flight To Lanka Checked For Ultras In Pahalgam Terror Attack
Security sweep conducted at Colombo airport after alert from Indian authorities; aircraft cleared after inspection
New Delhi: A Sri Lankan airline flight from Chennai to Colombo was put through a comprehensive security check upon arrival in Lanka on Saturday after being tipped off that suspects linked to the Pahalgam terror attack could be on board. The search was conducted by Sri Lankan police as the flight landed in Colombo, but no suspect was found on the flight.
Quoting the local police, Sri Lankan media outlets reported that a special search operation took place at Bandaranaike International Airport following a tip-off from Indian authorities. Media reported that the Katunayake police station officials, the local police, said it received information from Indian authorities indicating that six individuals suspected to be involved in the recent Pahalgam terror attack were on board a flight arriving from Chennai. The reports added the suspects were believed to have arrived via a SriLankan Airlines flight.
”The search operation was carried out jointly by the Sri Lanka police, the Sri Lanka Air Force and airport security units,” it was reported.
“SriLankan Airlines wishes to inform the public that flight UL122 operated by aircraft 4R-ALS, which arrived in Colombo from Chennai at 11.59 hrs today (May3), was subjected to a comprehensive security search upon arrival. This was carried out in coordination with local authorities following an alert by the Chennai area control centre regarding a suspect wanted in India who was believed to be on board," the airline said in a statement.
The statement added: "The aircraft was thoroughly inspected and cleared for further operations. However, as a result of the mandatory security procedure, the next scheduled service, flight UL to Singapore, has been delayed. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our priority, and we strive to ensure that the highest standards of safety are consistently maintained.”
Indian authorities have identified five terrorists, including three Pakistani nationals, who were part of the group that carried out a terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. All exit points from India — road, airports and ports — have been put on high alert after the security agencies released their photos. It is believed that the terrorists may try to flee India using fake identities.