The U.S. State Department issued a fresh travel warning for Pakistan after an Indian drone attack hit a target in Lahore, warning U.S. citizens to leave areas of active conflict if it is safe or to shelter-in-place.
India said it had targeted Pakistani air defense and radar systems in retaliation against attempted strikes on its military facilities. Pakistan said it had downed Indian drones in various locations, but one had hit a military site near Lahore, wounding four soldiers.
“Due to reports of drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions in and near Lahore, the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore has directed all consulate personnel to shelter-in-place,” the State Department said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“The Consulate has also received initial reports that authorities may be evacuating some areas adjacent to Lahore’s main airport.
“U.S. citizens who find themselves in an area of active conflict should leave if they can do so safely. If it is not safe to leave, they should shelter-in-place.”
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan gave a list of actions for U.S. citizens to take in its security alert. They are:
- Seek secure shelter.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Carry proper identification and cooperate with authorities.
Indian Drone Attack
Pakistan’s army spokesman accused India of wounding its soldiers in the drone attack near Lahore, an incident he described as a “serious, serious provocation” and one that “is further escalating” the unfolding conflict.
India sent drones to “multiple locations” in Pakistan and 12 were shot down, said Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, in a briefing on Thursday.
But he said one drone broke through and “managed to engage a military target near Lahore, partially,” leading to the soldiers’ injuries. He also said one civilian had been killed and another hurt by falling debris in the southern Sindh province.
It is “yet another blatant act of military aggression by India,” Chaudhry said.
The Indian government accused Pakistan of attempting to engage military targets with drones and missiles, prompting this latest response, which it said was focused on Pakistani air defense radars and systems.
“It has been reliably learnt that an air defense system at Lahore has been neutralized,” the Indian government said in its statement, adding: “Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.”
Fears of India-Pakistan War
The two nuclear-armed powers are clashing in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, were killed by gunmen attacking a popular beauty spot in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
India called it a terror attack and accused the Pakistanis of having a hand in the incident, but Pakistan has denied any involvement.
There is a serious risk of escalation that leads to all-out war between the neighbors, and global powers such as the U.S. and China are urging restraint.
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