The Pakistani Army on Sunday took over the Shamsi airbase after it was vacated by the U.S. forces in line with a deadline set following a cross-border NATO attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
The last flight carrying U.S. personnel and equipment had departed from the airbase in Balochistan province, and the facility had been “completely vacated,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said. “The control of the base has been taken over by the [Pakistan] Army.”
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the media that the U.S. had vacated the airbase within the time limit.
The American flag at the airbase, which was reportedly used by the CIA-operated drones targeting militants in the restive tribal belt, was lowered on Sunday, TV news channels reported.
Oil tankers set ablaze
Meanwhile, suspected militants set ablaze nine NATO oil tankers in Bolan district of the restive Balochistan province. The tankers were intercepted by the armed men.
