Nepal Army takes control of Kathmandu airport, secures key government sites amid unrest

The Nepal Army has taken control of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and several key government sites after violent protests erupted across the capital. Troops were deployed late Tuesday night, following the evacuation of agitators from sensitive areas.

Security forces additionally secured Singhdurbar, the country’s main government secretariat, after protesters set fire to houses inside the complex. Soldiers also intervened when demonstrators attempted to vandalise the gate of the Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred religious sites.

Earlier in the day, the army had announced that it would assume overall security responsibilities in the capital starting 10 pm. The decision came as clashes between protesters and authorities intensified, leading to widespread damage to public property.

In a statement, the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepal Army said that “some groups are taking undue advantage of the difficult situation and causing severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property.” It further warned that all security agencies, including the army, would be mobilised if the violence persisted.

The army also appealed to the public to extend cooperation, urging people to refrain from destructive activities and help restore peace in the capital.