WASHINGTON: The State Department issued a new travel warning for Pakistan on Thursday, telling American citizens that the reaction to the Nov 26 Nato raid on a border post had created new threats for them in that country.

The travel warning replaces the one issued on August 8, 2011, and updates information on security incidents and reminds US citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.

“Following the deaths of twenty-four Pakistani military personnel on November 26, 2011, protests have taken place across Pakistan against the United States, International Security Assistance Force, and Nato,” notes the US State Department.

“There have also been widespread demonstrations and large political rallies condemning drone strikes and Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis.

“These protests are likely to continue. US citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid protests and large gatherings.”

The warning also notes that the presence of Al Qaeda, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant sectarian groups “poses a potential danger to US citizens throughout Pakistan”.