The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert to its citizens residing in Pakistan, telling them to remain vigilant and not step out unless necessary as authorities in the capital have raised the security alert to the highest level.

It made the announcement via a tweet on Monday.

The announcement comes a day after the US embassy issued similar instructions to its staff, including barring them from visiting the Marriott Hotel in the capital.

“The US government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays,” it said in its advisory on Sunday that was effective immediately.

The Marriott Hotel, which is located in a high security zone, is 27 kilometres away from I-10/4 area of the federal capital where a suicide car bombing in Islamabad killed a policeman and injured 10 others on Friday. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban, which called off a stop-start ceasefire with the government in November, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Furthermore, the embassy has urged all mission personnel to refrain from non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad throughout the holiday season as Islamabad has been placed on a ‘red alert’ citing security concerns while banning all public gatherings.

It advised staff to take the following actions:

• Exercise vigilance at events, places of worship, and avoid locations with large crowds.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Carry identification and follow requests from law enforcement.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for updates.

It was the second time that the US had issued an advisory after December 23 when it asked its staff to stay vigilant in the wake of another attack in the federal capital.

The Islamabad police raised security to high alert in the capital and increased checking at entry and exit points of the Red Zone, which is at five minutes drive from the premier hotel and home to Parliament, President’s House, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office.

“Security of Islamabad has been placed at the highest level,” the security alert by Saudi Arabia said, adding that Saudis should contact the embassy and consulate if the need arises.