The U.S. Department of State has issued a security alert for American citizens in Pakistan following escalating military tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The alert follows Pakistan’s airstrikes on Taliban military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia after several days of cross-border hostilities.
In a statement on February 28, the Department of State’s Consular Affairs warned of increased security presence in major Pakistani cities and potential terrorist threats.
Officials have advised U.S. citizens to exercise heightened caution, particularly near law enforcement facilities, military installations, and major commercial centers, which are considered likely targets for terrorist organizations.
The alert also advised them to follow standard security practices, such as staying aware of their surroundings, avoiding large crowds, carrying identification, monitoring local media, and registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
“We remind U.S. citizens to observe good personal security practices, including being aware of your surroundings, avoiding large crowds, and ensuring your STEP registration is up to date,” the alert states.
The State Department also urged Americans to avoid areas near military activity, maintain a low profile, and cooperate with local authorities.
Also Read: US Embassy Urges American Personnel to Leave Israel, Cites Safety Reasons
The alert follows U.S. diplomatic engagement with Pakistan regarding the ongoing conflict. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker stated on Friday that she spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Baloch.
Hooker said she offered condolences for lives lost in the recent clashes and reaffirmed U.S. support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.
“Spoke today with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Baloch to express condolences for lives lost in the recent conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban. We continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.”
President Donald Trump, before departing for Texas on Friday, emphasized his positive relationship with Pakistan’s leadership.
“Well, I would, but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well — very, very well. You have a great Prime Minister, you have a great general there, you have a great leader — two of the people that I really respect a lot. And I think that Pakistan is doing terrifically well, yeah.”
Escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
The heightened alert comes after Pakistani state media confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force conducted targeted strikes on Taliban military sites as part of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, including brigade and corps headquarters, an ammunition depot, and a logistics base in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
Islamabad released video footage of the strikes, which officials described as a response to what they called “unprovoked aggression” by Taliban forces after Afghan forces reportedly opened fire on Pakistani posts in the mountainous northwest.
Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously, said the confrontations lasted more than two hours before Pakistan retaliated.
Explosions were reported across Kabul early Friday, accompanied by repeated rounds of gunfire. AFP journalists and residents in the Afghan capital described hearing multiple blasts and the sound of fighter jets overhead.
Taliban officials stated that the initial offensive along the Durand Line, the disputed Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was launched “in response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military,” according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Also Read: Explosions as Several Taliban Military Sites in Kabul Are Hit by Massive Airstrikes
Taliban forces in Nangarhar and Kunar reportedly attacked Pakistani outposts, though Afghan officials reported no casualties.
On Friday, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the military action as a response to ongoing Taliban provocations.
Asif accused the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into “a colony of India,” harboring terrorist networks, depriving citizens of basic rights, and undermining women’s freedoms.
He warned that Pakistan’s patience had “overflowed” and called the situation “open war,” emphasizing Pakistan’s local knowledge and proximity to the conflict.
“The Taliban turned Afghanistan into a colony of India. They gathered all the terrorists of the world in Afghanistan and began exporting terrorism. They deprived their own people of basic human rights. They snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women,” Asif said.
U.S. Monitoring Situation Amid Broader Regional Concerns
The State Department alert comes as Washington continues to monitor developments.
Earlier in the week, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem authorized voluntary departure for nonessential staff and family members due to security incidents in Israel, noting that travel restrictions could be extended without warning.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee warned that outbound flights may become unavailable, highlighting broader regional security concerns for U.S. diplomatic personnel.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
