US Embassy Warns Citizens Against Travel to Peshawar Amid Security Concerns

The US mission in Pakistan has issued a security alert, advising American citizens to avoid the Serena Hotel in Peshawar and the surrounding area, including the Peshawar Golf Club, until December 16. The advisory, prompted by unspecified security concerns, also directed US mission personnel to stay away from the location and urged US nationals to reconsider travel plans to the region.

The warning highlights the ongoing “Do Not Travel” advisory for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to persistent threats from terrorism. The region has been facing heightened violence, including a series of clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes, which have resulted in numerous casualties despite a ceasefire between the warring communities.

The US embassy’s advisory stresses the importance of monitoring local news for updates, remaining vigilant, and adhering to safety guidelines, such as carrying valid identification, cooperating with local authorities, and reviewing the Country Security Report for Pakistan.

Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The security alert comes amid escalating violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the Kurram district, where at least 10 people were killed and 21 others injured in clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes. The violence, which continues despite a ceasefire brokered between the two communities, erupted on Tuesday in Kurram, a district bordering Afghanistan.

In the past week alone, 100 people have died, and 180 others have been injured due to the violence. The clashes between the Alizai and Bagan tribes in Kurram began following an attack on a convoy of passenger vans near Parachinar, in which 47 people were killed. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The ceasefire, brokered on Sunday, is set to hold until Thursday, with both police and military personnel remaining deployed to ensure security in the region. The US mission continues to urge its citizens to follow the latest travel advisories for their safety.