The United States on Sunday urged its nationals in Islamabad to avoid going to parts of the city because of possible terror attacks, its embassy said. The message posted on the US embassy website identified "key government installations in the downtown area of Islamabad known as the Red Zone" and a number of local hotels.
"The US embassy in Islamabad alerts US citizens that the ministry of interior of the government of Pakistan issued a general threat alert on possible terrorist attacks in Islamabad today (Sunday)". It advised "all US citizens to avoid these areas, remain vigilant, keep a low profile, and continue to exercise caution while in Pakistan". Interior ministry officials were not immediately available to comment.