ISLAMABAD: Fearing potential attack, the US embassy in Islamabad on Sunday forbade its workers from going to the city’s Marriott Hotel.
The US government is “aware of information that unidentified persons are likely preparing to target Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays,” according to a security advisory released by the embassy.
The embassy also urged all its personnel to refrain from “non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad throughout the holiday season” due to the red alert declared in the city and the ban on public gatherings.
The embassy issued a warning to its employees, advising them to be watchful at gatherings, in places of worship, and away from crowded areas; to review their personal security plans; to carry identification; to heed police requests; to be aware of their surroundings; and to keep an eye on local media for updates.
The prohibition comes two days after a suicide bombing in the capital killed a policeman and wounded six others.
The capital administration had subsequently banned all types of gatherings, especially activities related to the upcoming local government elections, for two weeks and declared a high alert in the city for 48 hours.
