Washington on Tuesday said that it has been "closely following" the reports alleging Pakistan's use of F-16 fighter jet aircraft in an attempt to target military establishment in India recently. Addressing a press conference at the White House Deputy, Spokesperson of US Department of State, Robert Palladino said: "So we've seen those reports and we're following that issue very closely." Deputy Spokesperson noted: "Our position – the position of the United States is we continue to urge both sides to continue to take steps to de-escalate the situation, and that includes through direct communication."