In the wake of the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the United States has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to conflict zones. The United States security alert comes hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, hitting key terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday. The alert follows pre-dawn strikes on 9 terror hubs, allegedly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The US Embassy in Pakistan has advised Americans to avoid traveling to conflict zones, particularly near the India-Pak border and LoC. The region is already placed under a “Do Not Travel” alert issued by the US Department of State. “We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments. U.S. citizens are reminded of the “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict,” the US advisory read.
Guidelines For US Citizens In Pakistan:
- – Leave the areas under active conflict or military activity, provided it is safe.
- – If you cannot relocate, shelter in place.
- – Stay alert, carry identification, and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- – Sign up for the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to keep yourself updated
- – Keep following the local news and get a safety plan ready.
In its latest security report, the United States warned that specific areas in Pakistan should be avoided as they are ‘extremely dangerous’. It cautioned against traveling to Balochistan province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, citing them as highly unsafe. The other high-threat locations include Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Also Read: ‘Sindoor’ Is an Inspiring Name’: Israel Hails India’s Precision Strike on Pakistan
