The US government has added several regions, including the India-Pakistan border, Turks and Caicos, and Mexico, to its travel advisory list due to safety and health issues. Travelers are warned of risks related to terrorism and encouraged to avoid specific areas in Pakistan, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The US government has updated its travel alerts, now cautioning against travel to areas including the India-Pakistan border, Turks and Caicos Islands, and various nations like Mexico and Norway. Concerns highlighted involve safety risks, health issues, and geopolitical instability in these regions, prompting citizens to exercise caution while traveling.
For specific guidance regarding Pakistan, the advisory warns against visiting the India-Pakistan border area due to terrorism and armed conflict risks. Travelers are discouraged from entering Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, where violent extremist groups frequently execute attacks, leading to numerous casualties.
The advisory notes that dangerous actions from terrorist groups, such as indiscriminate attacks on civilians and security forces, could occur without warning. Potential targets include transportation hubs, markets, and educational institutions, with a history of targeting US diplomats and facilities in Pakistan.
Travelers are specifically instructed to avoid the vicinity of the Line of Control, indicating this area as “Level 4: Do Not Travel”. The advisory explains that militant groups operate along this border, where both India and Pakistan maintain large military presences. It also mentions that the only official border crossing is between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India, requiring an Indian visa which is unavailable at the border.
Balochistan province is categorized under “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to ongoing violence from extremist groups, which have perpetrated deadly attacks. Similar warnings apply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, emphasizing that extremist and insurgent groups regularly target civilians and government personnel, with a history of kidnappings and assassinations.
In summary, the US government’s travel advisory warns citizens to avoid high-risk regions, particularly the India-Pakistan border, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. The advisory outlines significant safety concerns regarding terrorism and armed conflict, underlining the dangers posed by extremist groups operating in these areas. Travelers are urged to take these warnings seriously to ensure their safety.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
