The United States on Wednesday ordered non-emergency staff at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore to leave Pakistan, citing security concerns as tensions escalate across the Middle East following Iranian retaliation to US-Israeli strikes.
The US embassy in Islamabad said the State Department directed non-emergency US government employees and their family members at the two consulates to depart due to "safety risks."
The embassy clarified that there was no change in the operational status of the US embassy in Islamabad.
The decision comes after protests erupted in Pakistan over the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. At least 25 people were killed in demonstrations over the weekend, according to an AFP tally. Hundreds of protesters also attempted to storm the US consulate in Karachi, the country’s largest city.
Travel advisory expanded across region
The State Department also authorised non-emergency US government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, Oman and Cyprus as tensions spread across the region.
In addition, Washington advised American citizens to reconsider travel to the three countries.
The advisory related to Cyprus drew attention as the island nation is a member of the European Union.
The move came after Iranian-made drones, believed to have been launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeted a British military base in Cyprus.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Wednesday and "reaffirmed the strong partnership" between the two countries, according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.
Drone damage and evacuation plans
In Saudi Arabia, a drone attack also damaged the US embassy in the capital Riyadh, further raising security concerns for American personnel in the region.
The State Department said it is preparing charter flights to evacuate American citizens from affected areas as commercial flight operations across the region have been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict.
The regional crisis began after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attacks came two days after US envoys had held talks with Iranian officials in Geneva on a potential nuclear agreement.
Since then, Iran has expanded its retaliation, launching missile and drone attacks across several parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less