| ashu |
Posted
on 05-Feb-02 04:51 AM
SECURITY ADVICE
> ISSUED AT 1400HRS ON TUESDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2002
>
>
> Over the last two days, Maoists cadres have launched a number of attacks
on
> Lukla airport and town. Lukla is the main point of entry by air for
tourists
> visiting the
> Solu Khumbu (Namche Bazar, Everest base camp, Mera, Island Peak etc).
>
> Reports are sketchy, but the control tower has been attacked and damaged
and
> we understand that a bank in town robbed, as were a number of private
> houses. There have been no civilian flights into Lukla over the last few
> days. A number of foreign tourists are now stranded in the town.
>
> During the morning of Tuesday, 5 February the Royal Nepal Army deployed
two
> troop carrying helicopters to Lukla. Ground operations began at
> approximately 1030am. Military sources have told us that if operations
are
> successful civilian flights should resume tomorrow, Wednesday 6 February.
>
> Although the Maoist attacks were not directed at tourists, Lukla is a
major
> trekking hub and this action by the Maoists could have serious
implications
> for tourism to the area as a whole.
>
> We strongly caution all British citizens against travel to the Solu Khumbu
> until this present situation has been resolved and Lukla airport is again
> functioning normally.
>
> The British Embassy will continue issue security advice as new information
> becomes available. The British Embassy is available for further advice at
> any time
> on 410583.
>
> Consular Section
> British Embassy
> Kathmandu
>
|
