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US warns citizens about threat against Islamabad's five-star hotel

Xinhua, April 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United States embassy in Pakistan has issued a fresh security message for its citizens, urging them to avoid visiting a five star hotel in Islamabad in the coming few days in view of a threat against the building.

"The embassy is aware of a general but uncorroborated threat against the Marriott hotel in Islamabad. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area for the next several days to allow time to assess the situation," the embassy has said in the advisory posted on its website on Saturday.

A suicide truck bombing on the hotel on September 20, 2008, had killed over 54 and injured dozens others. Several Americans were among the casualties but majority were Pakistanis.

The embassy reminded the U.S. citizens that there is an active travel warning for Pakistan issued on April 7, 2016, and a worldwide travel alert issued on November 23, 2015.

"U.S. citizens are urged to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures," the embassy said.

"The mission reminds those U.S. citizens considering travel to or remaining in Pakistan despite this warning to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), keep a trusted friend informed of your movements in country, maintain vigilant situational awareness, avoid large crowds, keep a low profile, and avoid visiting locations frequented by westerners."

The message also said official U.S. Mission personnel and visitors are not allowed to use public transportation in Pakistan and are not authorized to stay overnight in hotels in Pakistan.

"U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the country, keeping in mind the high security threat level," the mission's advisory further said.

U.S travelers were asked to vary their times and routes when traveling anywhere in Pakistan, and to avoid travel patterns to any such locations that might allow other persons to predict when and where they will be. Enditem