US embassy asks Americans to avoid areas of ‘active conflict’

ISLAMABAD: The US Mission to Pakistan has issued an urgent security alert, advising American citizens to avoid areas of active conflict and leave affected regions if it is safe to do so.

The alert, posted by the US Mission to Pakistan on its web portal, noted the closure of airspace and widespread flight cancellations amid evolving situation and said developments were being monitored closely.

The mission reminded the US citizens of the “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict, and the US Department of State’s “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Pakistan generally.

“We advise US citizens to depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place. The US Embassy will send updates as needed through our message system,” it said in the alert.

The US Mission urged US citizens to leave the areas in the vicinity of military activities, shelter in place if relocation is not possible, maintain a low profile and be aware of surroundings, monitor local media for updates, and carry identification and cooperate with authorities, review personal security plans, and consult the Country Security Report for Pakistan.

It also asked them to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme to receive real-time security updates.