Pakistan: US consulate general warns of increased security in Lahore following failed terrorist attack November 24

Event

The US consulate general in Lahore issued a security message on Tuesday, November 24, warning of an increased security presence in the city following an earlier failed terrorist attack. The incident concerned occurred on Tuesday morning when a suspected militant attempted to enter a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in the southeastern suburb of Barki wearing a suicide bomb belt. The suspect was killed in a firefight with police officers after opening fire on guards when challenged for identification and was later found to have two grenades on his person. The motive for the attack is currently unclear, but security forces in Pakistan have frequently been targeted in extremist attacks.

Following the incident, police established a cordon around the CTD station in Barki and have since increased security patrols in the city.

A continued heightened security presence is likely in Barki and other areas of Lahore in the near term, with associated disruptions possible in some areas.  

Advice

Those in Lahore are advised to monitor the situation, maintain a heightened level of vigilance and immediately report any suspicious items or activity to police. Travelers should avoid the area around the Barki CTD police station in the near term and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.