Islamabad, Dec 11: The Pakistan Army Sunday took over Shamsi airbase in the country's southwest after it was vacated by US forces in line with a deadline set by the government following a cross-border NATO attack that killed two dozen Pakistani soldiers.
The last flight carrying US personnel and equipment had departed from Shamsi airbase in Balochistan province and the facility had been "completely vacated" by the Americans, the Inter-Services Public Relations said."The control of the base has been taken over by the (Pakistan) Army," it said.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the media that the US has vacated the airbase within the time limit given to it. He said the airbase is now under the control of Pakistani forces.
Pakistan had earlier set December 11 as the deadline for the US to vacate Shamsi airbase, reportedly used by CIA-operated drones that target militants in the country's restive tribal belt.
An America flag that was previously hoisted at the airbase was lowered today, TV news channels reported. Personnel from the Civil Aviation Authority and Frontier Corps had earlier moved into the base to oversee the immigration procedures for the Americans and to provide security.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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