‘Assassination, kidnapping common’: US warns Americans against travel to Pakistan | World News – Times of India

The US Mission to Pakistan issued a security alert on Wednesday regarding a potential threat to the Serena Hotel in Peshawar.
“Based on security information received by the US Mission to Pakistan, US Mission personnel have been instructed to avoid the Serena Hotel Peshawar located on the Khyber Road, Peshawar Golf Club, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan during the period from now through December 16, 2024.,” US Embassy in Pakistan said in a release.
The statement advised, “US citizens are encouraged to avoid the hotel and the area around the hotel during this period and reconsider travel plans. US citizens are reminded about the ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to terrorism, dated September 10, 2024.”
The US Mission urged Americans to:

Meanwhile, the “Do Not Travel” advisory for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlights risks from terrorist and insurgent groups that have targeted civilians, NGOs, government offices, and security forces. It says, “Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.” The advisory categorizes the region as Level 4, indicating a recommendation against travel.
The advisory comes as at least 10 people were killed and 21 others injured as clashes continued between Sunni and Shia tribes despite a cease-fire brokered between the two warring communities in Pakistan’s restive northwest.
The advisory also says that “violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan” and notes frequent terrorist activity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
It adds, “Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.”