[Text/Observer Network Qi Qian] On May 10, the conflict between India and Pakistan further escalated. According to Reuters and Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, as tensions continued, there was growing concern that a nuclear war might break out between the two nuclear-armed countries. However, Pakistan downplayed the direct nuclear threat.

The report stated that on the 10th, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the nuclear option "is currently not under consideration."

Asif pointed out: "I want to tell the world that (the tension between India and Pakistan) will not be limited to this region, and the scope of destruction may be greater... Considering the situation India is creating, our options are becoming fewer." However, he added that the possibility of a nuclear war at present is "very small."

In response to reports that the Pakistani military would convene a high-level military and civilian institution meeting to oversee its nuclear weapons, Asif denied it.

Asif insisted that the agency in charge of the country's nuclear forces "has not held any meetings and has no plans for such meetings." He also said: "We should not even discuss this issue in the current context. I believe the atmosphere will ease before it reaches that point."

Pakistan Defense Minister Asif Pakistan Media

According to The Guardian, Asif made the same statement on the same day, saying that it was "too early" to make any statements to ease tensions.

"Everything is being prepared, and both sides have established contact," Asif said. "There is no conclusion yet. But I can confirm that the United States and Saudi Arabia, as mediators, are playing a key role."

He added: "We cannot trust India to negotiate and ease tensions. If the mediator, our common friend, and trustworthy countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States intervene and play a key role, we will not have problems to ease. We did not provoke this incident. We are just responding to India's military aggression."

Since the conflict broke out on the morning of May 7, Pakistan has repeatedly announced the shooting down of five Indian Air Force aircraft, including three French-made Rafale, one Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29 fighter jets. So far, India has either denied or refused to comment on them, only stating that they will publicly disclose combat losses "at an appropriate time."

Pakistani forces displayed and compared images of aircraft debris circulating online with those of India's Rafale, emphasizing the credibility of their claims of shooting down aircraft.

Subsequently, the tense situation between India and Pakistan escalated further. In the early hours of the 10th, India attacked facilities including the Nur Khan Air Base in Pakistan. On the same day, Pakistan announced the official launch of a military operation codenamed "Iron Wall" in response to India's continuous provocations, aiming to "combat Indian terrorism, ensure internal stability and sovereignty of Pakistan."

According to anonymous sources from Pakistan's military and intelligence departments, Pakistan's airstrikes have targeted more than 20 Indian military facilities, including air bases, missile storage facilities, and armories. Indian facilities were severely damaged, with casualties reported.

According to Pakistan's national broadcasting network, Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder fighters launched hypersonic missiles to destroy Russia's S-400 air defense missile systems deployed in Adampur. CNN cited an Indian official who is "familiar with the situation" as saying that India is currently responding to Pakistan's military actions.

Reuters reported that due to the rising tensions, residents in various parts of India and Pakistan are stockpiling food and other necessities, while families living near the border are fleeing to safer areas. The Indian government has installed alarms in high-rise buildings in New Delhi, located about 650 kilometers from the border.

After a day of military exchanges, officials from both sides showed a willingness to take a step back temporarily.

According to CNN, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio spoke separately with Dar and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar on the 9th, proposing that the United States mediate the escalating India-Pakistan conflict. Rubio also spoke with Pakistan Army Chief General Munir.

On the 10th, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Dar told the media that if India halted its actions under the current circumstances, Pakistan would also consider a ceasefire. On the other hand, Indian Air Force Colonel Viomika Singh stated at a press conference that India had effectively countered Pakistan's actions, and India was committed to "not escalating the conflict, provided Pakistan takes similar actions."

However, Indian officials pointed out on the same day that Pakistan's military "was observed moving troops to forward areas, indicating its intention to further escalate offensive operations." "Indian armed forces remain in a state of high readiness, all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to."

"The situation is escalating, and both sides are freely using missiles and drones," former Indian Army officer Pravin Soni told Reuters. "Reports indicate that the Pakistani Army is moving troops, which is not a good sign for future developments!"

On May 10, China made its latest statement regarding the escalation of the India-Pakistan situation, expressing deep concern over the escalation of the situation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded by strongly urging both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, return to the track of resolving issues through peaceful means, and avoid taking actions that further escalate tensions. This serves the fundamental interests of both countries and is conducive to regional peace and stability, which is also the universal expectation of the international community. China is willing to continue playing a constructive role.

This article is an exclusive contribution by Observer Network, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502786945820295719/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Please express your attitude by clicking the [Like/Dislike] buttons below.