Access Control
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The U.S. Department of state is urging Americans to avoid nonessential travel to Sri Lanka in the wake of a rebel attack on Colombo International Airport.

On July 24, The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebels, armed with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and anti-tank weapons, attacked the airport and adjacent military base. Seven military personnel and 13 rebels were killed in the assault, while several other airport employees and civilians were caught in the crossfire. Eleven commercial and air force planes were destroyed.

The Sri Lanka government announced it has tightened security at the airport to prevent future attacks and has removed two officials in charge of airport security from their posts.

The U.S. Department of State also announced the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka may be temporarily closed after the rebels demonstrated "an ability and willingness to select targets without regard for the safety of civilians, including tourists."

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