On Sunday, the US started pulling out its nationals from Shamsi airbase, reportedly used by CIA- operated drones, on the orders of Pakistan's government. An American aircraft arrived in Pakistan to fly people out. After the aircraft landed, the American nationals boarded it amidst strict security. Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency were present at the airbase.
Residents living around the airbase were told not to leave their homes as the aircraft was being boarded. There was no official word on the development from Pakistani or American officials.
Pakistan had asked the US to vacate the remote airbase in Balochistan within 15 days after an air strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26.
This is the third time Pakistan has asked the US to vacate Shamsi airbase. A US government source said that the Americans had spent months preparing for a possible eviction from Shamsi by building up other drone launching and staging capabilities.If you're bored enough, dig the groovy font on the protester's sign at the link. |
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