Islamabad: On Sunday, the US Embassy in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad barred its staff from visiting the Marriott Hotel, expressing concern over a ‘possible attack’. A security alert issued by the embassy said that “the US government has information that unknown persons may be planning an attack on Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad while on vacation.” The embassy also urged all its personnel to avoid “non-essential, unofficial travel to Islamabad during the holiday season” due to the red alert declared in the city and restrictions on public gatherings.
The Embassy has instructed its staff to be vigilant at events, and places of worship and avoid crowded places; review their personal safety plans; possess identification cards, and comply with requests from law enforcement; It is advised to be aware of your surroundings and monitor local media for updates. No information has been received from the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ban on election-related activities
The capital administration later banned all gatherings, especially activities related to the upcoming local government elections, for two weeks and declared a high alert in the city for 48 hours.
In 2008, a suicide bomber rammed a truck carrying 600 kg of high explosives into the outer gate of the five-star Marriott Hotel, killing 60 people. Part of the hotel was destroyed in the attack, which was later closed and reopened a few months later, where a massive, bomb-proof wall was built.
Pakistan is facing the growing threat of terrorism. It includes incidents involving elements and groups operating from Afghanistan after the militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan called off its ceasefire with the government in late November.
