U.S. issues warning of possible attack

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad warned its staff Sunday of a possible attack on Americans at a top hotel in Pakistan’s capital as the city was already on alert following a suicide bombing last week.

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,” the embassy said in a security alert. The advisory banned its American personnel from visiting the popular hotel over the holidays.

The U.S. mission also urged all personnel to refrain from non-essential travel in Islamabad during the holiday.

The embassy directive came two days after a suicide bombing in a residential area of the capital killed a police officer and wounded ten others. Militants with the Pakistani Taliban, who are separate from but allied with Afghanistan’s rulers, later claimed the attack.

Islamabad’s administration has since put the city on high alert, banning public gatherings and processions, even as campaigns are ongoing for upcoming local elections. Police have stepped up patrols and established snap checkpoints to inspect vehicles across the city.