Islamabad: As Pakistan launched a major counterstrike against India in retaliation for recent missile attacks, the United States has extended an offer to facilitate dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors to prevent further escalation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
The discussion reportedly focused on the rapidly intensifying military situation between India and Pakistan.
“Secretary Rubio reiterated the need for restraint and urged both parties to pursue avenues for de-escalation,” Bruce said.
“He also offered the United States’ support in initiating meaningful talks aimed at preventing future hostilities.”
This outreach from Washington comes as Islamabad launched a wide-ranging military response, named ‘Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos’, following what it described as unprovoked Indian missile strikes on three key Pakistani airbases.
According to official accounts, the Pakistani operation is intended to neutralize the Indian assets allegedly involved in the attacks.
Attacks Starts at Early Hours of Saturday
The strikes by India reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday. Pakistan claims the Indian Air Force fired air-to-surface missiles from its aircraft, targeting three strategic installations: the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the Murid Airbase in Chakwal District, and the Shorkot Airbase in Jhang.
These claims were detailed by Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during a press briefing on Friday.
“India made an unsuccessful attempt to strike our bases with aerial missiles. Fortunately, all critical assets at the targeted locations remained unharmed,” Lt. Gen. Chaudhry confirmed.
He added a cautionary note: “Now, wait for our response.”
The Pakistani military’s counteroperation has been symbolically named after a Quranic reference—‘Bunyan ul Marsoos’, meaning a solidly cemented structure—highlighting national unity and steadfastness in the face of aggression.
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The Al-Fatah missiles used in the campaign have been named in honor of children reportedly killed in the Indian strikes, underscoring the emotional and symbolic weight of the response.
The situation has drawn international concern, with fears of further escalation between the South Asian rivals.
Both India and Pakistan maintain large conventional forces and nuclear arsenals, raising the stakes of continued conflict.
While no confirmation of Indian casualties or damage has been independently verified, Pakistan’s state media continues to assert that significant Indian military infrastructure has been disabled.
The Indian government, on the other hand, has yet to fully acknowledge the scope of the Pakistani strikes or confirm their authenticity.
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Amid these developments, Washington’s outreach is being viewed as an effort to curb tensions and encourage diplomatic channels before the situation spirals into a broader regional conflict.
