Embassy alerts US citizens

ALI HUSSAIN

ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Islamabad on Saturday alerted Americans in Pakistan to be vigilant in their personal security against possible retaliation in the aftermath of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cross-border strike, killing 24 Pakistani troops.

In a warden message, released to the US citizens, the US Mission urged all American citizens to maintain vigilant and avoid crowds and demonstrations; to keep a low profile; and to be unpredictable, i.e. by varying the times and routes of all movements.  It is particularly important to verify that travel documents and visas remain valid, the message asked Americans.

“The U.S. Mission is alerting all U.S. citizens residing in Pakistan to be especially vigilant in their personal security, and against possible retaliation, in the aftermath of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cross-border incident that occurred the morning of Saturday, November 26,” said the message.

Although, the US Mission is not aware of any specific threats or demonstrations at this time, the Embassy in Islamabad is advising US government employees to minimize non-essential travel, and to utilize “buddy systems” to account for colleagues’ whereabouts. In addition, some US government personnel assigned outside Islamabad are being recalled to the capital as a precaution.  Please check the Embassy’s website for updates.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department Internet website where Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Pakistan, Travel Warnings (including the current Travel Warning for Pakistan), and Travel Alerts can be found, added the message.

The embassy also advised the US citizens to maintain valid travel documents and to enroll overseas travel through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.