US embassy sounds red alert; not to visit Islamabad Marriott Hotel

Islamabad: The US embassy in Pakistan has warned about a possible terrorist attack against American citizens at the Marriott Hotel here in the country’s capital and prohibited American staff from visiting the five-star facility, an official statement said. The statement was issued by the embassy on Sunday, two days after a suicide bombing in Islamabad killed a policeman.“The US government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays,” it said.“Effective immediately, the Embassy in Islamabad is prohibiting all American staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel,” the statement said.
“Effective immediately, the Embassy in Islamabad is prohibiting all American staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel,” the statement said.The embassy also directed that as Islamabad has been placed on a ‘Red Alert’ citing security concerns while banning all public gatherings, all mission personnel have been urged to refrain from non-essential and unofficial travel in the capital throughout the holiday season.It asked the US nationals to exercise vigilance at events and places of worship, and avoid locations with large crowds while reviewing personal security plans.