US issues alert for Lahore; asks its citizens to leave or seek shelter

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Pakistan following a reported Indian drone strike that struck near Lahore, advising American citizens to either evacuate conflict zones safely or take shelter if leaving is not possible.

According to Indian officials, the strikes were aimed at Pakistani radar and air defense infrastructure in retaliation for drone-based attempts to target Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military reported that it intercepted multiple Indian drones, but one successfully hit a military facility near Lahore, injuring four soldiers.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lahore responded by ordering its staff to remain sheltered due to drone activity and potential airspace violations in the area. “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 announced on X (formerly Twitter).

The consulate also received preliminary reports suggesting that certain areas close to Lahore’s main airport might be undergoing evacuation procedures.

American citizens in affected areas were urged to take immediate precautions, which include:

• Finding secure shelter;
• Preparing independent evacuation plans without depending on U.S. government aid;
• Keeping travel documents ready and accessible;
• Staying informed through local media;
• Carrying valid ID and complying with official instructions.

Drone Strike and Military Response:
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, condemned the Indian drone strike near Lahore as a “serious provocation,” claiming it injured military personnel and further escalated ongoing tensions. He stated that India had launched drones at several locations within Pakistan, with 12 reportedly intercepted. However, one managed to breach defenses and struck a military installation near Lahore.

In a separate incident, Chaudhry said a civilian was killed and another injured by drone debris in Sindh province.

Labeling the attack as “another blatant act of military aggression,” Pakistan held India responsible for intensifying hostilities. In contrast, the Indian government said its actions were defensive, claiming Pakistani drones and missiles had been used in attempts to strike Indian military sites. India said its response had successfully neutralized radar systems in Lahore and reiterated its intent to avoid further escalation provided Pakistan exercises similar restraint.

Rising Tensions Over Kashmir:
This recent exchange follows the deadly Pahalgam massacre in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people mainly Hindu pilgrims were killed in an armed assault. India has labeled the incident a terrorist attack and pointed fingers at Pakistan, which has denied involvement.

The heightened tensions have triggered fears of a broader military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. International stakeholders, including the United States and China, have appealed to both sides to act with caution and avoid war.

Would you like this paraphrased version formatted for your news website or Instagram channel as well?