Leave area of conflict or find safe place: US to its citizens in Pak

The US Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan on Thursday issued a travel advisory for its citizens amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. The advisory came after India foiled attempts of the Pakistani military to target it using drones and missiles last night and destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore.

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The advisory said if US citizens find themselves in an ‘area of conflict’, they should leave if it is safe to do so. “If they cannot leave safely, they should shelter in place,” it read. In a security alert, the US Consulate said it also received initial reports that authorities may be evacuating some areas adjacent to Lahore’s main airport.

“The US Department of State continues to remind its citizens of its standing ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory against all travel to areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict,” the advisory read.

“The situation between Pakistan and India continues to evolve, and we are closely monitoring developments. The US Embassy in Islamabad and Consulates General in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar remain open for regular business,” it added.

The US Consulate General in Lahore also directed its staff to shelter in place amid drone explosions, downed drones and possible airspace incursions in and around the city.

In March this year, the US State Department had issued an advisory to reconsider travel to Pakistan “due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict”.