US C-17 Globemaster Takes Off After Parking At Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase. What's Cooking?

Rawalpindi: A US Air Force C-17 aircraft reportedly took off from Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase, a military installation that was targeted and dismantled by the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor in May. As per reports, the aircraft landed and parked at the airbase for a few hours before taking off, raising concerns regarding Pakistan's military alignment with the US. 

The airbase, located in Rawalpindi, was a critical hub for Pakistan's air mobility operations and housed key assets, including C-130 transport aircraft and airborne surveillance systems.

The Nur Khan airbase is not only crucial for Pakistan's military operations but also holds importance due to its location near the Strategic Plans Division, the body responsible for overseeing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal with an estimated 170 nuclear warheads. Pakistan's nuclear capabilities are a closely guarded secret, and the presence of US forces at the airbase has raised concerns about the country's sovereignty and security.

Earlier, after India's massive attack on the Nur Khan airbase during Operation Sindoor, Pakistani security expert Imtiaz Gul had claimed that the Nur Khan airbase is effectively under American control, with US aircraft frequently operating out of the base without transparency regarding their missions or cargo. However, the lack of official response from the Pakistani government or military left several narratives spreading around. 

Meanwhile, the latest landing of the US Air Force aircraft at the Nur Khan airbase, a day after it became operational, following India's attack, has only intensified public scrutiny and raised further questions about the nature of US-Pakistan military cooperation.

Nur Khan Airbase Dismantled During 'Operation Sindoor'

The Nur Khan airbase gained international attention after India conducted a precision strike on the base during Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The strike caused massive damage to the airbase. 

Meanwhile, the experts have suggested that the US Air Force's presence at the Nur Khan airbase will raise concerns over regional security and global politics, especially for China and Russia. Moreover, the base's proximity to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and the country's military headquarters also raise concerns about the risks of nuclear proliferation and the compromise of Pakistan's sovereignty. 

The situation demands a thorough investigation and clarification from the Pakistani government and military to alleviate concerns and ensure transparency in military operations.