IAEA rejects claims of nuclear radiation leakage in Kirana Hills

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the premier intergovernmental organization that regulates the use of nuclear energy and promotes its peaceful development, has issued a statement rejecting widespread reports that claimed Indian missiles struck Kirana hills in Pakistan's Sargodha.

Wild theories

This clarification came after widespread false information spread across social media implying that Pakistan's nuclear stock had been hit during India's counter-strike 'Operation Sindoor'.

The theories around Kirana Hills gained more traction online after radar enthusiasts and defence watchers also said military aircraft belonging to the United States and Egypt were spotted in Pakistani airspace.

Also read: Op Sindoor: IAF took ‘23 mins’ to jam Pak’s China-made defence systems, complete mission

'No radiation leak'

Fredrik Dahl from the press department of the Vienna-based global nuclear watchdog told The Times of India, "We are aware of the reports. Based on information available to the IAEA, there was no radiation leak or release from any nuclear facility in Pakistan".

Established in 2005, the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre is the focal point for coordination of international assistance in emergency preparedness and response to radiation incidents and emergencies — regardless of their cause or severity.

'Nothing to preview'

Incidentally, at a US State Department press briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday (May 13), Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott, too, was asked about the reports of nuclear radiation leakage in Pakistan.

Also read: Indian army denies targeting Pakistan's nuclear facility at Kirana Hills

“Has (the) US sent a team to Islamabad or Pakistan following reports that there have been leaks of nuclear radiation in some of the secure Pakistani sites?” was the specified question. Pigott said: “I have nothing to preview on that at this time.”

'Thank you for telling us'

Air Marshal AK Bharti, on hearing about the rumour of Pakistani nuclear stock being hit, said that he had no knowledge of the incident, dismissing all speculations of India's involvement.

However, he did humorously add, “Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation—we did now know about it. It was not in the list of targets we told you to hit".

India has officially confirmed strikes on several targets in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, but repeatedly emphasised that all actions were measured, proportionate and based on credible intelligence.