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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Pakistan: US asked to vacate two key air bases |
| 2002-01-12 |
| With the Indian Air Force moving its fighter squadrons close to Pakistani areas, Islamabad has asked the United States to vacate the two airfields of Jacobabad and Pasni for its use in the event of a war with India. With tensions between the two neighbors taut, Pakistan too moved its air units to the two airports, after requesting the Americans to confine themselves to Shamsi and Dalbandin airports. Though Pakistan is co-sharing the facilities at Jacobabad, and Pasni at present with the Americans, defense officials feel the need for the exclusive use of these two air bases. Talks were held in this regard. The discussions were held between the US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard Myers and his counterpart Gen. Muhammad Aziz Khan and the Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi late last month, officials said. Army and Air Force Special Forces of the US military, besides troops from 101st Airborne division, are currently posted at four Pakistani bases. Jacobabad and Pasni are two of the many operational bases used by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in all emergencies and the recent Indian military mobilization has forced Pakistani military leaders to requisition both airports from the US Central Command. |
| Posted by:Fred |