Pakistan’s Prime Minister announces release of captured Indian pilot in ‘de-escalation’ of military crisis between the two countries

Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan announced on Thursday that his country would be releasing a captured Indian pilot as a way to de-escalate the military crisis that has pitted nuclear-armed militaries against each other for days.

“In our desire of peace, I announce that tomorrow, and as a first step to open negotiations, Pakistan will be releasing the Indian Air Force officer in our custody,” Mr. Khan said.

Indian officials did not immediately respond. But after hours of relative lull throughout Thursday, the gesture appeared to be a face-saving opening for both countries to head off a plunge into war.

The days before had brought both nations to the brink. On Tuesday, Indian warplanes dropped bombs inside Pakistan — it’s not clear what they hit — and Pakistan downed at least one Indian fighter jet on Wednesday. Tens of thousands of troops have been mobilized on both sides of the border.

Via New York Times