US warns citizens following Varanasi blast

New Delhi, Dec 8: The US embassy in New Delhi has issued directives to its citizens to practice “good security and maintain a low profile and heightened situational awareness" following the bomb blast in Varanasi on Dec 7.

The blast was carried out by terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen near the Vishwanath Temple at 6:30pm. The message includes dictums for US citizens to monitor local news reports and keep a tab on the security situation in the immediate premises and especially when visiting public places, including religious sites.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad were requested to enroll with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate through their State Department's travel website to access updated warnings pertaining to a particular country. The citizens were also requested to regularly monitor the Department's Internet website where the warnings, cautions and travel alerts can be accessed.

The message was sent through the American Embassy's Warden System that allows citizens to receive security warnings and other important notices as quickly as possible. Wardens are terms used for citizens who volunteer to update fellow citizens with news from their embassy or the Department of State.

OneIndia News.