Explosion at Air Bases in Pakistan Forces Airspace Closure
New Delhi: A significant explosion occurred early Saturday at multiple air bases in Pakistan, including a major facility near Islamabad, prompting the government to close the nation’s airspace to all private and commercial flights.
Pakistani military sources reported that the blasts took place at three air force facilities, notably the Nurkhan Air Force Base in Rawalpindi, which is located less than 10 kilometers from the capital and is adjacent to military headquarters.
Videos circulating in local media depict flames rising from the air base following the explosion. However, NDTV could not verify these clips independently. Witnesses noted an increase in military activity on the ground following the series of loud explosions.
The Nurkhan facility, previously referred to as Chakrara Air Force Base, is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most sensitive military installations, serving both air force operations and VIP transport. In addition to Nurkhan, attacks were also reported at Marid Air Force Base in Chakwar city and Rafiki Air Force Base in Punjab’s Jan district.
In response to these incidents, Pakistan closed its airspace for all flights after accusing India of using commercial flights as cover during drone attacks. This decision was made amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear powers and was communicated to airlines through a notice.
