New Delhi:
The US Consulate General in Lahore has instructed its personnel to evacuate and remain discreet as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindore.
The US State Department highlighted concerns about “drone explosions, drone collapses, potential airspace invasions” in its advisory, noting that evacuations might soon occur in areas near Lahore’s main airports.
Recommended actions for US citizens included exercising caution, avoiding regions near military activity, considering shelter if relocation isn’t possible, reassessing personal security measures, keeping an eye on local news, maintaining a low profile, and being aware of their surroundings.
The advisory emphasized the importance of adhering to “non-travel” guidance and avoiding areas close to the India-Pakistan border due to “potential terrorism and armed conflict.” Additionally, long-standing “travel” advisories encouraged travelers to reconsider trips to Pakistan overall.
There are also warnings that flights to and from Pakistan might be limited.
The US government advised its citizens, particularly officials, to refrain from traveling to Union Territories and to avoid Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindore commenced early Wednesday as a reaction to the terrorist attack in Pahargam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation lasted 25 minutes and targeted nine terrorist sites associated with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated at a party meeting that military action resulted in at least 100 terrorist casualties.
Since April 24, Pakistan has been using small arms across the border, causing fatalities on the Indian side, including 16 civilians—three women and five children.
The following day, India rejected Pakistan’s claims of escalating conflict following attempts to strike military facilities in 15 cities across northern and western India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat. Indian air defense systems reportedly disabled drones and missiles used by Pakistani forces.
The Indian government disclosed that its forces retaliated by targeting and neutralizing Pakistan’s air defense radars and systems in several locations, including Lahore, in response to these military provocations.
