IS could attack India, US issues an alert for its citizens
The increasing threat perception India faces currently could affect foreign visitors visit to the country as travel season begins. The US Embassy in New Delhi issued on Tuesday a terror warning for its citizens in India, warning of increased threat of foreigners being targeted in the country. They have said that IS could attack the country so everyone should stay alert.
Entitled ‘security message for US citizens’, the warning says, “The US Embassy warns its citizens of an increased threat to take places in India by the Westerners, most likely in places such as religious sites, markets and festival venues.
All US citizens are asked to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
The embassy in its alert also mentioned increased risk from “ISIL aka Da’esh” (Islamic State terror group) and asked its citizens to refer to the “worldwide caution” issued by the US state department, less than two months ago.
Last warning Issued
Referring to India specifically, the US state department in its caution issued on September 9, 2016, says, “The country is continuously experiencing the 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.”
The caution was issued nine days before the Uri attack and since then India is on the highest alert possible. The US embassy warning arrives at a time when inbound tourism season is starting.
“The increasing tensions between Indo- Pak , which has created a war-like situation on the line of control in Kashmir, so it is important to enhance security across India. The peak season of foreign travel begins from October -November. The alert like the one issued by the US on Tuesday is likely to be followed by other nations too and may severely hit the tourism to India this year,” said a travel agent.
