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More attacks against Americans in Pak feared

Visiting Pakistan may become even more nightmarish for Americans, now that it is almost certain that Pakistani Mir Aimal Kasi will get the death sentence in the United States.

Kasi is charged with going on a shooting spree, killing two Central Intelligence Agency officials in 1993.

Considering the reported bloody fallout of his guilty verdict on Monday -- four Americans were killed in Karachi on Wednesday -- few doubt the grave consequences the death sentence would trigger.

Kasi, 33, will face death by lethal injection if the judge follows the 12-person Virginia jury's recommendation. Judges rarely overturn a jury's recommendation.

Security forces were deployed outside the courthouse when word came that the jury had reached its decision. The jury was sequestered after the Karachi killings, in apparent retaliation for Monday's verdict which found Kasi guilty of capital murder, first-degree murder, malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Kasi fled to Pakistan after the killing. He was extradited to the United States earlier this year after being lured out of hiding by Pakistani authorities.

According to prosecution evidence, Kasi ambushed vehicles waiting to turn into the CIA headquarters in Virginia, firing with an assault rifle while calmly walking up and down the queue. Two CIA workers were killed and three others were injured.

The jury was told Kasi committed the crimes in anger over US policies in West Asia.

Following Wednesday's killings, the state department issued a travel advisory, urging all US citizens abroad to exercise caution as Kasi's sympathisers could retaliate.

Claiming responsibility for the killings, Kasi's supporters in his native Baluchistan have already threatened to step up violence. The tribals want their 'proud' son back in Pakistan, untouched by American law.

EARLIER REPORTS:
Americans told to avoid Karachi; it is 'not safe'
Karachi killings shock US
4 Americans killed in Pak over Kasi's conviction

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