Evacuation: Seven aircraft land at Shamsi base

Sources also reported that that some equipment was loaded onto the aircraft.


Express December 08, 2011

QUETTA:


At least seven aircraft landed at Shamsi airbase in Balochistan on Wednesday to airlift personnel and equipment out of Pakistan. According to sources in Washuk district, American officials were likely to vacate the airbase today (Thursday).


“Seven aircraft have landed here since morning,” a local confirmed, adding, “They also set several containers on fire today ... the containers were used by American officials.”

Sources also reported that that some equipment was loaded onto the aircraft. However, drones stood in nearby hangars and an American radar was also visible that had so far not been shifted.

No US official was available to comment on whether American will vacate the airbase on Thursday.

The controversial airbase, located about 300 kilometres south of Quetta, has been used as a key launch pad for drone strikes in Afghanistan and allegedly also for those carried out in Pakistan’s own tribal areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th, 2011. 

COMMENTS (7)

Loyal to Pakistan | 12 years ago | Reply

Tribune should get its facts straight. This base was not used by USA to launch drone strikes in Afghanistan but it was used to launch drone strikes against Pakistan.

A. Khan | 12 years ago | Reply

This won't stop drone attacks which are launched from Afghanistan. Yet another case of our beloved People's government making a fool of us.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ