By Atif Khan
Islamabad: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Sunday prohibited its staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel due to a possible attack, as Pakistan is facing a 'new wave' of terrorism.
"The U.S. government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays, hence, the Embassy in Islamabad is prohibiting all American staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel, effective immediately," said the embassy in its advisory. The alert banned its citizens from visiting the popular hotels over the holidays.
The Embassy, placing Islamabad on high alert, urged its staff to avoid any non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The US embassy directive came two days after a suicide bomber exploded himself in a residential area of the capital, killing a police officer, instantly and wounding many others.
On Friday, when police stopped a suspected taxi car, a rear seat passenger detonated the explosives he was carrying. "When the police stopped the vehicle for a snap check, a couple came out of the car." "A long-haired man, during the checking, went inside the car and detonated himself," Deputy Inspector General of Police Sohail Zafar Chattha told the media in a press briefing.
Since Friday, Islamabad has been on high alert. The administration has banned public gatherings and processions. Due to worsening security, the ongoing campaigns for upcoming local elections have also been slashed.
Police have stepped up patrols and established snap checkpoints to inspect vehicles across the city. Police have been asked to wear bulletproof vests and helmets at checkpoints, while patrol has increased.
Islamabad's Marriott hotel has seen the deadliest terror attack in the history of the country.
A suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden van at the entry gate of the Marriott Hotel in September 2008. As many as 63 people were killed, over 250 were injured, and the hotel's front section was completely destroyed.
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