US Secretary of State Rubio Urges Pakistan Army Chief to De-Escalate After Missile Strikes on India
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir on Saturday, urging calm after Pakistan launched ballistic missiles at India, escalating regional tensions.
In a direct diplomatic intervention, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir following Islamabad’s missile attack on Indian targets. The move came shortly after Pakistan received a $1 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which India had opposed, citing concerns over the funds being used to fuel cross-border terrorism.
According to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio urged restraint and offered US assistance in facilitating talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“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 U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts,” Bruce said in an official statement.
The missile strikes, part of Pakistan’s “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos”, marked a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations. Sources in the Indian government said Pakistan waited for the IMF board to approve the disbursement of $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility before initiating the offensive.
“Pakistan did not want its IMF bailout to be jeopardised in any way. Hence, their big escalation has come post that,” said Indian defence sources.
Pakistan launched six ballistic missiles at India, including one aimed at New Delhi, which was intercepted in Haryana’s Sirsa. All incoming threats were successfully neutralised by Indian defence systems, officials said.
In response, India carried out precision strikes on key Pakistani cities and air bases, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. As part of “Operation Sindoor”, India struck Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi Airbase in Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Chakwal, dealing heavy damage to Pakistani military assets.
Sources said India used air-to-surface missiles and drones in the retaliatory operation, aiming at military installations and avoiding civilian areas.
The latest round of hostilities follows a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 people dead, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-backed terror outfits for the assault and responded earlier with strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks have since escalated, targeting military installations and civilian zones across Indian border states, prompting blackouts and red alerts across northern India.
The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that all airbases and strategic installations remain secure. Meanwhile, global powers, including the United States, are pushing for dialogue to avoid further escalation.
