Pakistan: Violent clashes in Multan (Punjab) Dec. 22

Event

Violent clashes broke out during an anti-terrorism operation in the city of Multan (Punjab) early on Friday, December 22 (local time). According to a police spokesperson, two suspected members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in the clashes.

Context

Extremist Islamist groups, including the TTP and various terrorist groups under its umbrella, continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to push them from their northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan has suffered a number of deadly attacks this year, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Tribal Areas, Peshawar, and Lahore.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.