The US Embassy in Pakistan has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for its citizens, urging them to avoid visiting the country in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor—India’s targeted strikes on terror hotbeds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
An advisory issued by the Embassy said: “We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan.”
“This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments,” the statement said.
“U.S. citizens are reminded 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 U.S. Department of State’s ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory for Pakistan generally. We are also aware that airspace has been closed, and many flights have been cancelled,” the statement said.
Advisory For US Citizens
Exercise caution and leave the area if you find yourself unexpectedly in the vicinity of military activities.
Shelter in place if you cannot relocate.
Review your personal security plan.
Monitor local media for updates.
Keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings.
Carry identification and cooperate with authorities.
Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor
The Indian Armed Forces in the wee hours on Wednesday launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps at nine locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), to avenge the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people, all men and mostly Hindu tourists, were killed on April 22.
According to a statement by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation was aimed at neutralising terror camps actively involved in planning and executing attacks against India. A total of nine sites have been hit during the strike.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
Twenty-six men, mostly non-Muslim tourists, were killed by terrorists in Baisaran meadows, a popular destination in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, on April 22.
The terrorists- belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)- asked the victims to chant Islamic verses (kalma) and made them pull down their pants to be sure of their their non-Muslim religious identities (read circumcision) before gunning them down before their families, including wives, children and daughters.
The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and escalated India-Pakistan tensions as New Delhi vowed to avenge the killings.
(With inputs from IBNS)
