Lahore (TDI): The Consulate General of the United States in Lahore has directed all the consular staff to shelter in safe places and stay prepared to move, instructing them to rely on local media for updates.
In an official notice, the Consulate advised the staff to take refuge in safe places and should leave only when it is safe to do so.
“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 notice said.
It further said that staff should not rely on assistance from the US Government, and should keep their travel documents updated and must, at all costs, cooperate with local authorities.
The notice comes as blasts and explosions have been heard in and around Lahore and a risk of escalation looms large.
Read More: High Alert: Civil Defense Mock Exercises Begin in Pakistan’s Punjab
This morning, Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Military said that twenty five Indian drones were intercepted and downed in Pakistani airspace.
Things remain uncertain as the situation is quickly evolving. India has also alleged a drone and missile attack from Pakistan, which cannot be confirmed yet.
Both Pakistan and India are on high alert since India launched missiles inside the Pakistani territory on May 7. Pakistan downed five Indian jets in response and a meeting of the National Security Committee decided that Pakistan will retaliate further.
Read More: Skyfire: Pakistan Downs 25 Indian Drones
Indian drones were neutralized in Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Miano, Chakwal, Karachi, Chhor, Rawalpindi, and Attock. One drone crashed near Lahore, while others were neutralized close to Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Karachi.
The Military Spokesperson added that the process of India sending across these Harop drones was a “serious serious provocation”.
“This naked aggression continues, and the armed forces are on high degree of alert and shooting down them as we speak,” he asserted.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
