U.S. Facing Myriad Of Threats In Pakistan
August 9, 2011 by UPI - United Press International, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) — Terrorist activity, as well as severe restrictions on official movement in Pakistan, is behind the latest travel warning, the U.S. State Department said.
The State Department announced it has issued a travel warning for U.S. citizens in Pakistan, an ally in Washington’s fight against international terrorist groups like al-Qaida.
“The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements and indigenous militant sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan,” the warning states. “Terrorists and their sympathizers regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.”
U.S. ties with Pakistan have deteriorated since the May 2 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden at the hands of U.S. Navy SEALs. Bin Laden was discovered at a compound in Abottabad, near one of Pakistan’s most elite military academies.
At least five people were killed and two others were wounded in violence in Karachi, the BBC reported Tuesday. Human rights groups in the region blame violence between various ethnic groups for contributing to the estimated 800 people killed there since January.
The State Department notes U.S. official visits to Karachi are “several restricted.”
“The Embassy (in Islamabad) reiterates its advice to all U.S. citizens to take measures for their safety and security at all times,” the warning adds.
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