US embassy restricts staff movement in Islamabad

Days after a suicide bombing in Islamabad, the US on Sunday issued a security alert warning about a possible terrorist attack targeting American citizens at a private hotel in the federal capital.

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad said the US government staff prohibited from visiting the private hotel in the federal capital due to possible attack.

The US government is aware of information that unidentified individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the private hotel in Islamabad “sometime during the holidays”, the statement added.

Effective immediately, the embassy in Islamabad prohibited all American staff from visiting the hotel, according to the advisory available on the US embassy website.

Also read: JIT to investigate Islamabad suicide blast

"Furthermore, as Islamabad has been placed on a Red Alert citing security concerns while banning all public gatherings, the embassy is urging all Mission personnel to refrain from non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad throughout the holiday season," the statement further said.

At least 54 people were killed and several others injured when a dumper truck laden with explosives was detonated in front of the private hotel in Islamabad’s red zone area on September 20, 2008.

The bombing shook Pakistan as terrorist managed to breach security of red zone where key government installations and diplomatic missions are located.

The unprecedented advisory and threat alert issued by the US after a police official was martyred and several others injured when suicide bomber blew himself up during check-up in I-10 sector of Islamabad.

There have been spike in terrorist attacks ever since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul.

Also read: Govt mulls ‘military offensive’ against TTP

Official data shows since August 2021 Pakistan recorded 420 terrorist attacks. In the last three months alone, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility of 141 attacks.

A major review is currently underway to devise a new strategy to deal with the resurgence of TTP militants. Official sources believe that a military operation to stem the fresh tide of terrorism is on the cards.

A meeting of the National Security Committee is expected in next couple of weeks to take major decisions.