US consulate warns citizens of 'heightened threat' in Quetta

Advisory says there is a threat to govt and military installations as well as hotels in the city

The United States has advised its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid traveling to Quetta due to a “heightened threat in and around the city.”

“The Consulate General wishes to advise US citizens about a heightened threat level in the near term affecting Pakistani government and military installations, hotels, and western interests in and around the city of Quetta,” said a statement posted on the website of the US embassy in Islamabad on Thursday.

"US citizens are reminded that there is an active travel warning for Pakistan issued on April 7, 2016, and the worldwide caution, issued March 3, 2016," it added.



The statement maintained that US government personnel may be under additional movement restrictions in coming weeks, including hotels, restaurants, and large shopping centers.

“US citizens are reminded to minimise the number and duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, and other locations where large numbers of people congregate.”

The statement went to add that US citizens should monitor Pakistani media reports regarding similar threats.



Earlier on April 17, the US advised its citizens to avoid the area around Islamabad’s Marriott hotel in the wake of an imminent terror threat.

A suicide truck bombing on Marriott hotel on September 20, 2008 killed over 54 people and injured dozens others. Several Americans were among the dead but Pakistani casualties were in majority.