United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Saturday, calling for restraint and urging both Pakistan and India to pursue immediate de-escalation, according to a spokesperson from the US Department of State.
"Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today. He continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate and offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts," the US State Department said in an official statement.
Rubio expressed concern over the rapid escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and reiterated Washington’s readiness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further hostilities.
The call came hours after Pakistan launched 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos', a major retaliatory military campaign in response to reported Indian missile and drone strikes earlier in the week. Pakistani forces targeted multiple military sites inside India in what Islamabad described as a defensive but firm response.
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