US issues travel advisory to Americans over safety risk in Pakistan

Washington, Feb 3 (ANI): The US has issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens about the risks while traveling to Pakistan amid recent developments and tension in US-Pak ties in the aftermath of the NATO raid that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Replacing its earlier travel warning dated April 8, 2011, the US State Department asked its citizens on Thursday to avoid protests and large gatherings, which are happening in Pakistan amidst turmoil in the country.

"There have been widespread demonstrations and large political rallies condemning drone strikes and Pakistan's ongoing energy crisis," The News quoted travel advisory, as saying.

"These protests are likely to continue. US citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid protests and large gatherings," it said.

The State Department said the presence of the al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and indigenous militant sectarian groups pose a potential danger to US citizens throughout Pakistan.

Terrorists regularly attack civilians, government, and foreign targets, it said, adding: "Threat reporting indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where US citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, and outdoor recreation events."

"Terrorists have disguised themselves as Pakistani security personnel to gain access to targeted areas. Some media reports have falsely identified US diplomats - and to a lesser extent US and other Western journalists and non-governmental organization workers - as being intelligence operatives or private security personnel," it added. (ANI)