US, UK, Aus issue travel advisories after Pune blast

The United States, the United Kingdom and Australia have issued travel advisories to their citizens in view of the bomb blast at a famous eatery frequented by foreigners in Pune, asking them to maintain a 'heightened situational awareness and a low profile.'

"American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks in India. The February 13 terrorist bombing in a bakery frequented by Westerners in Pune, Maharashtra, serves as a reminder that terrorists and their sympathisers are capable of attacking targets where US citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit," the US travel alert said.

In its travel alert, updated after the blast, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK government said, "On 13 February a bomb exploded in a bakery/coffee shop in Pune killing nine and injuring up to 53 people. Foreigners were among the casualties. British nationals are reminded to remain vigilant in public places."

"There is a high general threat from terrorism throughout India. Recent attacks have targeted public places including those frequented by westerners and expatriates," it said.

Australia, in its alert said, "We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in India at this time because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups...We continue to receive reporting of possible threats against prominent business and tourist locations, including in Mumbai and New Delhi."

In the first major attack after 26/11, terror struck Pune on Saturday night as a powerful bomb ripped apart at a popular bakery-cum-cafe near the Chabad House, killing nine people and injuring 57 others.