US mission in Pakistan issues security alert citing ‘threat to Serena Hotel’ in Peshawar

Pakistan: Citing a ‘Threat to Serena Hotel’ in Peshawar, the US Mission to Pakistan has issued a security warning and directed its staff to stay away from the area until December 16.

“Based on security information received by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, U.S. Mission personnel have been instructed to avoid the Serena Hotel Peshawar located on the Khyber Road, Peshawar Golf Club, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, during the period from now through December 16, 2024,” said the statement released by the U.S. Mission.

“During this time, American citizens are advised to reevaluate their trip plans and stay away from the hotel and the surrounding region. The notification said that U.S. citizens are reminded of the September 10, 2024, “Do Not Travel” travel advisory for the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to terrorism.

Among other things, it urged Americans to abide by rules that include avoiding the area, being cautious, evaluating a personal security plan, keeping an eye on local media for updates, carrying identification, and assisting law enforcement.

According to the United States’ ‘Do Not Travel’ recommendation for Pakistan, “active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces” in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area. In the past, these organizations have targeted both citizens and public servants. Because of the frequent attempts at assassination and abduction, which include targeting polio eradication teams and members of the Pakistani government’s security service (police and military), a Level 4 travel alert has been issued, warning against travel.

The US Travel Advisory further states that “violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan” and that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas, are common places for terrorist strikes.

“Small-scale terrorist acts are common, while large-scale assaults have claimed many lives. In addition to local military and police targets, indiscriminate assaults on civilians have resulted from terrorism and persistent violence by extremist forces. Targeting transportation hubs, marketplaces, retail malls, military sites, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government buildings, terrorists may strike with little to no notice. The Travel Advisory said that U.S. diplomats and diplomatic buildings had previously been the target of terrorist attacks.