US embassy in Islamabad restricts personnel travel amid a red alert

The US Embassy in Islamabad recommended mission staff avoid “non-essential and unofficial” travel during the holidays after a suicide bombing.

The embassy issued the instructions due to Islamabad’s heightened security alert.

“As Islamabad has been placed on Red Alert due to security concerns, the embassy is asking all Mission staff to avoid non-essential, unofficial travel during the holidays,” the message said.

The embassy warned its workers to be vigilant during events, places of worship, and big gatherings, check security preparations, be aware of their surroundings, carry identification, and follow law enforcement instructions.

In a previous caution, the embassy reminded US citizens that premeditated attacks and criminal activities often occur in busy public spaces like markets, shopping malls, hotels, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transit hubs, schools, and other sites where people assemble.

“Public events like demonstrations and celebrations are also more violent,” the embassy said.

Islamabad City Police stated today that security in the capital has been tightened up and placed on “high alert” and that snap-checking has been intensified in the Red Zone and all entry and exit points.