1. United States Distances Itself from South Asia Conflict
US Vice President JD Vance has clarified that the United States will not engage in the escalating military confrontation between Pakistan and India, calling the matter “fundamentally none of our business.” Speaking to Fox News, Vance emphasized that while the US encourages both nations to de-escalate, it does not intend to intervene or attempt to control the course of events between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
“We’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it,” he said. The comments mark a significant stance from the US administration, signaling a hands-off approach amid growing international concern over the volatile situation in South Asia.
2. Rising Tensions: Military Exchange Between India and Pakistan
The statement came shortly after a night of intensified conflict between India and Pakistan. On May 6–7, Indian forces launched missile, air, and drone strikes targeting locations across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli. According to Pakistani military sources, the attacks killed at least 31 civilians, including women and children, and injured more than 70 others. Civilian infrastructure, such as mosques and a hydropower facility, also sustained significant damage.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a counter-operation, reportedly shooting down five Indian fighter jets and one Israeli-made Heron drone. Aircraft downed included three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, and an SU-series aircraft over Bhatinda, Jammu, Avantipur, Srinagar, and Akhnoor.
3. Pakistan Responds with Military Action and Drone Defense
Following the escalation, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) authorized a military response to what it described as “unprovoked aggression.” In addition to the retaliatory air defense actions, Pakistan’s military intercepted and neutralized 30 Israeli-made Herop drones sent by India. These drones were reportedly detected over several urban areas, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Ghotki, and Karachi’s Malir district.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the targeted drones were intended to hit both civilian and military installations. The swift response by Pakistan’s air defense forces highlights the intensity of the current escalation and the serious implications it holds for regional stability.
