The US embassy in Islamabad prohibits its staff from visiting the city’s Marriott Hotel due to concerns of a “possible attack”.
On Sunday, the United States embassy in Islamabad issued a security alert prohibiting its staff from visiting the Marriott Hotel in the federal capital due to concerns of a possible attack.
This action comes just two days after a suicide bombing in the capital left one police officer dead and six others injured.
The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which called off a stop-start ceasefire with the government in November, claimed responsibility for the blast in an earlier statement.
Meanwhile, the embassy also advised its staff to exercise caution at places of worship and avoid locations with large crowds. It also recommended that they monitor local media for updates on potential attacks.
The capital is currently on red alert and has banned all public gatherings, especially in relation to the upcoming local government elections. Police have also prohibited all types of corner meetings, public gatherings, and congregations for the next two weeks.
In addition to the security alert issued by the United States embassy in Islamabad, the Pakistani government has also taken steps to increase security in the capital city.
On Friday, the administration in the capital banned all types of gatherings, especially those related to the upcoming local government elections, and declared a high alert in the city.
In a notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, it was stated that “the security of Islamabad has been beefed up to obviate the threats within the jurisdiction of the capital which can disrupt peace and tranquility causing damage to public life and property.”
As a result of this increased security, police have imposed a ban on all kinds of corner meetings, public gatherings, and congregations for the next two weeks.
The suicide bombing that took place earlier this week has added to the already high tensions in the capital, and the concerns of a possible attack at the Marriott Hotel have only heightened the need for caution.
The United States embassy has taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its staff, and it is important for all individuals in the area to be aware of their surroundings and to follow the guidance of local authorities and the embassy.
It is hoped that the increased security measures and the vigilance of the community will help to prevent any further incidents from occurring.
In 2008, a suicide bomber drove a truck filled with 600 kilograms of explosives into the gates of the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan, killing 60 people.
The attack severely damaged the hotel, which was subsequently closed for several months and then reopened with a bomb-proof wall for protection.
Pakistan has been facing an increasing threat of terrorism, including attacks carried out by groups based in Afghanistan. This threat has grown since the militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November.
