US consulate in Lahore issues shelter-in-place order amid rising Indo-Pak drone tensions

The US Consulate General in Lahore has directed its staff to shelter in place following reports of drone explosions, possible airspace violations, and downed drones in and around the city. The directive was issued as tensions escalated between India and Pakistan over drone and missile activity.

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In an official statement released on Thursday, the US State Department said that initial reports suggest local authorities may be evacuating some areas near Lahore’s main airport. The consulate has also issued a security alert to American citizens residing in or around Lahore, urging them to either leave the city or remain indoors for their safety.

This development follows Pakistan’s claim that it had shot down 25 Indian drones within its airspace. Meanwhile, India has countered by stating it had successfully ‘Neutralised’ Pakistani drone and missile threats targeting Indian military sites. The increased drone activity signals a growing military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Given the unpredictable security situation, the US Consulate emphasized that all personnel should remain sheltered and advised US citizens to avoid travel to Lahore until further notice.