US issues “do not travel” warning for Pakistan, India amid fears of armed conflict

The United States issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid traveling to the border regions of Pakistan and India due to fears of a potential armed conflict. The advisory specifically highlighted threats of crime and terrorism, particularly in India, and advised American citizens to refrain from visiting vulnerable areas.

According to the US State Department, citizens are advised against traveling to India due to the risk of crime and terrorism, especially in the regions of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, where the possibility of unrest and attacks remains high.

It also warned of a heightened risk of armed conflict along the Pakistan-India border.

The advisory noted that parts of central and eastern India are considered unsafe due to terrorist activities, while the northeastern state of Manipur is flagged for violence and crime.

Read: Indian quadcopter shot down by Pakistan Army as tension flare on LoC

It further warned that terrorist attacks may target popular tourist spots, transportation hubs, shopping malls, markets, and government buildings.

US authorities also expressed concern over the heavy military presence along the Pakistan-India border and the Line of Control (LoC), citing it as a factor contributing to the risk of armed confrontation.

“Due to the potential for armed conflict, US citizens should avoid traveling within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border,” the US Embassy in New Delhi stated.

Additionally, threats of terrorism persist in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In response to the security situation, the Pakistani government placed restrictions on the movement of American diplomats within the country.

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Earlier, the United Kingdom had also issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against traveling to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to steer clear of border areas.

“The FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for air travel to and from the city of Jammu, travel within Jammu city, and travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh,” the UK government advisory stated.

Amid the escalating situation, political analysts voiced deep concern over the potential for further conflict along the LoC, the de facto border between Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, established under the 1972 Simla Agreement.

It is worth noting that Pakistan suspended its adherence to the Simla Agreement after India unilaterally pulled out of the Indus Waters Treaty and adopted a series of hostile measures, including revoking visas, banning Pakistani citizens from entering India, and expelling diplomatic staff.

The United States and China urged restraint and called on the two nuclear-armed neighbours to pursue a responsible and peaceful resolution to the crisis.