Kirana Hills, Pakistan’s long-rumored nuclear testing site, has come under global scrutiny following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) has denied striking Kirana Hills, satellite imagery and media reports suggest that the site, located near Sargodha in Punjab province, may have been exposed to the world like never before.
Kirana Hills: Pakistan’s Secret Nuclear Hub
Kirana Hills has been linked to Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions since the 1980s, when the country conducted cold tests—subcritical nuclear experiments that simulate nuclear explosions without triggering a fission reaction. The site is believed to house underground bunkers storing Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons, including the Nasr missile, designed for battlefield use.
Operation Sindoor and Speculation Around Kirana Hills
India’s precision airstrikes during Operation Sindoor reportedly targeted nine Pakistani airbases, including Mushaf Airbase in Sargodha, which is in close proximity to Kirana Hills. While India has categorically denied targeting nuclear facilities, speculation grew after satellite images showed smoke billowing from the hills, sparking concerns about potential damage to Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure.
Rumors of a Nuclear Leak
Social media has been flooded with unverified claims suggesting a radiation leak at Kirana Hills, with some posts even linking recent earthquakes in Pakistan to alleged nuclear incidents. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), however, has dismissed these rumors, stating that there is no evidence of a nuclear leak.
US Surveillance Aircraft Over Pakistan
Adding to the intrigue, reports indicate that a US B-350 AMS nuclear emergency aircraft—typically deployed in radiation-related crises—was spotted flying near Pakistani airspace shortly after Operation Sindoor. While Pakistan has remained silent on the matter, speculation continues over whether the aircraft was assessing potential radioactive activity in the region.
Looking Ahead
With Pakistan’s nuclear secrecy now under global scrutiny, analysts believe that Kirana Hills may become a key focus in future geopolitical discussions. As tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, the world watches closely for further developments.
