South Asia: Security

In March, a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, an action confirmed by U.S. officials. The incident left over 100 sailors missing and prompted Sri Lanka to evacuate 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel lingering near its waters, moving them to a naval camp in Colombo. Sri Lanka also responded to a distress call from the sunken Dena, relocating its 22 sailors and planning to move the vessel to Trincomalee. The attack has generated regional concern and placed Sri Lanka in a difficult diplomatic position as it handles the aftermath and the arrival of other Iranian military vessels.

Separately, Iran renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging a Thai cargo ship and leaving three crew members missing. Iran subsequently announced that ships must coordinate with its navy to pass through the strait, a move met with statements from Malaysia asserting its right of passage and Indonesia calling for an investigation. The U.S. is repositioning minesweepers and discussing an international escort coalition, while Japan is considering minesweeping operations.

Regionally, the conflict between Israel and Iran caused major flight disruptions, stranding thousands of travelers in Bangkok and causing airfares to surge. Domestically, Sri Lankan authorities seized a large heroin haul linked to an international kingpin as the Prime Minister declared the drug menace a national priority.