Following India’s recent precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor, speculation has intensified on social media regarding a possible nuclear radiation leak in Pakistan’s Kirana Hills region. While India has denied targeting the area, and no official radiation emergency has been confirmed by Pakistani or international authorities, uncertainty surrounds the situation. This is fueled by unverified reports and the unusual presence of a specialized U.S. aircraft over the region.
As of today, 13 May 2025, no official medical emergencies linked to a nuclear radiation leak have been reported in Pakistan. Despite Indian military activity near Kirana Hills, a known location with potential nuclear storage facilities, neither the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nor Pakistani officials have verified claims of a nuclear crisis.
Adding to the intrigue, the United States reportedly deployed a radiation-monitoring aircraft to the area. While this suggests a cautious approach, it does not necessarily point to an active or confirmed radiation emergency. Online reports claiming rapid radiation spread seem to be exaggerated.
Kirana Hills: A Key Military and Nuclear Site
Kirana Hills, located in Pakistan’s Sargodha district, is a fortified military zone of strategic significance. It is believed to house multiple underground tunnels, possibly used for the storage of Pakistan’s nuclear warheads. Its proximity to key military installations such as the Sargodha Air Base (about 20 km away) and the Khushab nuclear complex (roughly 75 km away) only adds to its sensitivity.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has explicitly denied striking Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor. Air Marshal AK Bharti stated, “We have not hit Kirana Hills – whatever is there.” India maintains that its airstrikes were focused exclusively on military and terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan.
Origins of the Radiation Leak Rumor
The speculation regarding a radiation leak seems to have stemmed from reports of Indian strikes near Sargodha, close to Kirana Hills. These rumors gained traction with unverified reports of U.S. and Egyptian aircraft being sent to monitor the area. However, no official confirmation about these aircraft’s presence or mission has been provided by U.S. agencies.
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that a BrahMos missile may have been used near Kirana Hills. Despite these claims, there is no solid evidence to support the idea that India specifically targeted Pakistan’s nuclear facility at Kirana Hills.
A key point of concern is the reported presence of a Beechcraft B350 AMS aircraft in Pakistani airspace. This aircraft, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, is part of the Aerial Measuring System (AMS), a highly specialized unit for nuclear emergency response. It is equipped to detect radiation leaks, track fallout, and support efforts during radiological events. This is not a standard military or civilian aircraft.
Beechcraft B350 AMS Aircraft: Specialized Monitoring Technology
Equipped with sophisticated gamma-ray sensors, real-time data transmission, and advanced mapping capabilities, the B350 AMS is designed to conduct low-altitude, slow-speed flights to detect radioactive materials. It is operated by highly trained personnel who specialize in identifying specific radioactive isotopes.
In the past, this aircraft has been used in significant nuclear incidents, including the Fukushima disaster and U.S. nuclear tests. Its deployment abroad is uncommon and typically requires diplomatic clearance and a clear, confirmed purpose.
Although Pakistan has not officially acknowledged the aircraft’s presence, flight tracking data from platforms like Flightradar24 indicates that a B350 AMS aircraft, tail number N111SZ, briefly entered Pakistani airspace. Open-source intelligence analysts have noted that this particular aircraft previously belonged to the U.S. but was transferred to Pakistan’s Army Aviation in 2010.
This revelation presents two potential scenarios: either Pakistan deployed its own nuclear response aircraft due to fears of radiation exposure, or the aircraft was sent in collaboration with the U.S. to assess possible nuclear damage.
The Significance of the Aircraft’s Deployment
Regardless of the aircraft’s ownership, the presence of such a specialized asset indicates internal concern and adds weight to the possibility that a strategically sensitive location like Kirana Hills could have been impacted, even if not directly targeted.
The international community will be closely monitoring any official statements or further developments that could clarify the true nature of the situation and the potential impact on regional security.
