In a move triggered by a deadly attack on a church frequented by Americans, the State Department ordered dependents and nonessential workers at the U.S. Embassy and three consulates in Pakistan to go home.
Other Americans in the country were encouraged to consider leaving as well.
"The department has reports that American citizens generally have been targeted for kidnapping or other terrorist acts," the bureau of consular affairs said in a statement.
The church attack "underscores the growing possibility that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek less-protected targets," the statement said.
"These may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events," the statement said.
"The possibility of threats continues," it said.
Secretary of State Colin Powell informed President Pervez Musharraf of the decision to scale down the staff by telephone from Monterrey, Mexico, where Powell was accompanying President Bush on Friday.
Powell told Musharraf the decision did not reflect any lack of confidence in Pakistan's ability to protect Americans, State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said.
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