The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, issued a security alert late Tuesday, citing “credible information” about a potential attack in the country’s southeast. The warning specifically targets popular tourist areas in Arugam Bay, a renowned surfing destination known for its beaches.

In an announcement on its website, the embassy imposed travel restrictions on its personnel for Arugam Bay, effective immediately and lasting until further notice. The advisory strongly urged U.S. citizens to avoid the area.

While the embassy did not provide further details on the nature or source of the threat, it advised citizens to report suspicious activity to local authorities, keep communication devices accessible, and stay updated through local news outlets.

The State Department currently classifies Sri Lanka as a “Level 2” travel risk, advising increased caution. Its most recent advisory, issued on October 2, warned of possible protests linked to the country’s ongoing economic and political instability. It noted that police have occasionally resorted to water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrations.

The advisory also highlighted that terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka with little or no warning, targeting tourist areas, transportation hubs, government buildings, and entertainment venues. It cautioned that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency assistance in remote locations is limited.