Australia warns of attacks in Pakistan

CANBERRA (Reuters) – Australia has warned of possible
attacks against international hotels in Pakistan, saying it had
received recent credible reports that militants are planning
attacks against a range of targets.

In a revised travel warning on the government’s travel
advisory Web site, smartraveller.gov.au, it urged Australians
to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to the high threat and
unpredictable security situation.

“Recent credible reporting indicates a potential terrorist
threat against Western hotels in Islamabad,” the advisory said.

“Recent reports suggest that terrorists are planning
attacks against Western, including Australian, individuals and
interests in Peshawar, but we emphasize that attacks could
occur at any time, anywhere in Pakistan.”

The advisory said Australian diplomats had been told to
exercise extra security vigilance after the suicide bombing
near the United States Consulate and Marriott Hotel in Karachi
in March, which killed four people including a U.S. diplomat.