US issues security advisory to diplomatic staff in Pakistan

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.

“The Udhampur Air Base — a major operational site — and the airfield in Pathankot have also been heavily hit,” sources said.