WASHINGTON: The United States has advised its diplomatic workers in Pakistan not to leave until further notice, citing unspecified security concerns on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the US State Department.
In a brief press briefing, the department stated that new security advice will be published later this afternoon. “We have directed all diplomatic staff in Pakistan to restrict movement as a precautionary measure,” a State Department spokesperson stated.
While no immediate threat was identified, officials hinted that the advice was issued as a precaution. It is unclear if the advise just applies to officials in Islamabad or also to consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Earlier, Pakistan Armed Forces had initiated a large-scale military operation named “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos” in retaliation for continuous Indian provocations, security sources said on early Saturday.
Security sources said that Pakistan has successfully destroyed the storage facility of the BrahMos missile in Beas, from where missiles were launched at Pakistan.
Furthermore, multiple strategic targets across India are being engaged as part of the operation.
“The Udhampur Air Base — a major operational site — and the airfield in Pathankot have also been heavily hit,” sources said.
