The US mission has advised American personnel not to go to Serena Hotel in Peshawar due to security threat there. Along with this, the travel ban for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been extended till December 16. American citizens have also been advised to avoid hotels and surrounding areas during this period.
The US Mission in Pakistan has issued a security alert citing ‘threat’ at Peshawar’s Serena Hotel. Along with this, mission personnel have been instructed to avoid going to that place till December 16.
The US Mission statement said, “Based on security information received by the US Mission to Pakistan, US Mission personnel have been directed to immediately proceed to the Khyber Road, Peshawar Golf Club, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Serena Hotel Peshawar.” Avoid going till 16th December 2024.”
“US citizens are cautioned to avoid visiting hotels and the area surrounding hotels during this period and to reconsider travel plans. “US citizens are reminded of the warning against travel due to terrorism to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province through September 10, 2024.”
Be careful American citizens
The US Mission in Pakistan has appealed to American citizens to follow the guidelines. It says they should avoid going to unsafe places, take precautions, review personal safety plans, monitor local media to stay updated, carry identification and cooperate with authorities.
In the advisory issued by the US against traveling to Pakistan, it has been said that American citizens should avoid going to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. Active terrorist and insurgent groups regularly carry out attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.
These groups have been targeting both government officials and civilians. Attempts at assassination and kidnapping are common, including targeting polio eradication teams and Pakistan government security services (police and army) personnel.
Level 4 travel advisory issued
Therefore the Mission has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory, asking not to travel. The travel advisory by the US also said, “Violent extremist groups are plotting attacks in Pakistan”. It has also been noted that terrorist attacks occur frequently in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Many people have suffered casualties due to large-scale terrorist attacks. Also, small scale attacks occur frequently. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilians as well as local army and police positions.
The travel advisory further states that terrorists can attack without any warning. Transport hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship and government facilities can be targeted. Terrorists have targeted American diplomats and diplomatic facilities before too.
