Australia warns of attacks in Pakistan

CANBERRA - 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 website, 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 US diplomat.

- REUTERS