Pakistan: US Embassy prohibits staff from visiting Mariott Hotel in Islamabad as of Dec. 25

Event

The US Embassy in Islamabad has issued a security alert prohibiting all its personnel from visiting Islamabad's Mariott Hotel as of Dec. 25. The alert comes amid concerns over a possible terror attack. The alert states that the US government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack US nationals at the Marriott Hotel sometime during the holiday season.

Additionally, US government personnel have also been urged to refrain from nonessential and unofficial travel in Islamabad during the holiday period.

Context

Islamabad's Mariott Hotel has been subject to multiple attacks in the past, with the most recent large-scale incident occurring in 2008.

The threat of terrorism remains high in Pakistan. Known and specific threats include the TTP and separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The most notable threat is from the TTP, that called off a ceasefire with the Pakistani security forces Nov. 28. Although the TTP typically carries out small-scale attacks on security and/or government personnel in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, it has the capacity to plan and stage mass casualty attacks in cities across the country.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.