The US embassy in India on Wednesday issued an advisory to its citizens and warned them to stay away from places frequented by Westerners in the country in view of the Islamic State threat.
“As we head into holiday season, please be reminded that recent Indian media reports indicate ISIL’s desire to attack targets in India,” the embassy said in a “Security Message for U.S. Citizens.”
“The U.S. Embassy warns of an increased threat to places in India frequented by Westerners, such as religious sites, markets, and festival venues,” it said.
The embassy has asked all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness and referred to the "worldwide caution" issued by the US state department three months ago.
In September, the US State Department had issued a worldwide caution for its citizens and warned of attacks by anti-Western terrorist groups.
Regarding India specifically, the State Department said on September 9, 2016, "India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect US citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-western terrorist groups active in India include Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e-Taiba."
“Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas,” it said.
The embassy had issued an advisory to US citizens last month as well, warning them of increased threat of Westerners being targeted in India.
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