The US military has begun withdrawing its troops and equipment from Pakistan’s Shamsi air base under orders from the Pakistan Government after an alleged Nato cross-border airstrike that killed at least 24 soldiers.

A senior Pakistani Army official confirmed: "Two US aircraft landed at the Shamsi airbase today to airlift personnel and equipment ahead of the December 15 deadline set by the Pakistan government for vacating the facility."

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The Pakistani troops stationed near the base were put on high alert and necessary security measures were taken in order to ensure safe evacuation, the official added.

Tension between the two nations was aggravated after a strike on two Pakistani military posts, after which 11 December was set as a deadline for the US to vacate the airbase in Balochistan.

The Pakistani Army chief general Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has also warned that any future aggression will result in the country responding "with full force, regardless of the cost and consequences".

The nation also closed routes for Nato supplies to US and allied forces in Afghanistan and decided to boycott the international conference on the future of Afghanistan in Germany.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The US President Barack Obama condemned the attack but did not claim any responsibility and reiterated his commitment to a full investigation.

Shamsi air base, located in the Washuk district of Balochistan, has been used by the US since late 2001 for launching air strikes in Afghanistan, and was also used as a base for the US drone programme.

More than 70 US Marines and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operatives have left the base.