WASHINGTON, May 7 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed hope that rising tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan would de-escalate “very quickly,” after Indian forces launched air strikes across the border and Pakistan vowed retaliation.
“It’s a shame, we just heard about it,” Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to India’s claim of targeting “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following a deadly shooting that killed 26 tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“They’ve been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it. I just hope it ends very quickly,” he added.
The situation in South Asia sharply deteriorated after New Delhi’s missile attacks late Tuesday reportedly killed eight Pakistani civilians and injured 35 others in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
In response, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched retaliatory strikes, shooting down three Indian Air Force (IAF) jets and destroying a key Indian Army brigade headquarters, as well as an enemy post in the Dhundial sector along the Line of Control (LoC).
“Pakistani armed forces are giving a befitting response to Indian aggression,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said early Wednesday.
The US State Department said it was closely monitoring the fast-changing situation. “We continue to urge Pakistan and India to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia,” spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
Tensions were further inflamed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks threatening to halt the flow of water across borders following the IIOJK attack.
The international community, including the United Nations, has expressed growing concern that the conflict could spiral out of control if cooler heads do not prevail.
