In one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years, at least 26 people, including tourists and an intelligence officer, lost their lives while several others were injured in a brutal attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. According to initial reports, a group of heavily armed terrorists emerged from the woods in the Baisaran Valley and opened indiscriminate fire on people gathered there, most of whom were tourists. The attackers fled back into the forest after the ambush.
Preliminary intelligence inputs suggest that The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based terror outfit linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the assault.
The heinous act drew widespread condemnation from the international community, with leaders across the globe expressing solidarity with India and offering condolences to the victims and their families.
UNITED STATES:
US President Donald Trump described the attack as “deeply disturbing.” In a statement, he said, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on an official-cum-personal visit to India, also reacted to the incident. “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” he said.
RUSSIA:
Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned the attack, stating, “This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment.” The Kremlin also reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with India in the fight against terrorism and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
SAUDI ARABIA:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time of the incident, cut short his official visit and is scheduled to return to New Delhi by Wednesday morning. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman expressed grief over the attack and assured India of all necessary support during this difficult time.
ITALY:
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed sorrow, saying, “Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack that occurred today in India, which resulted in numerous victims. Italy sends its condolences to the families affected, the injured, the government and all the Indian people.”
ISRAEL:
Israel was among the first countries to condemn the attack. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror.”
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:
The UAE issued a statement denouncing the attack in the strongest terms. “The UAE strongly condemns the terrorist attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. We express our sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims, along with our wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
IRAN:
The Iranian government extended condolences and stated, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, especially to the families of the victims of this attack, and wish a speedy recovery and good health to the injured.”
SRI LANKA:
Condemning the attack, the Sri Lankan government stated, “We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.” The statement added that Sri Lanka “stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of India in the fight against terrorism” and reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace.
Indian Response:
Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X to express his condemnation. “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” he said. Reaffirming India’s resolve, he added, “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. They will not be spared. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Soon after the attack, PM Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who immediately departed for Kashmir to assess the situation and meet with intelligence and security officials. An extensive investigation into the incident is currently underway.
This attack marks one of the worst terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times, reigniting concerns about the security of civilians and tourists in the region.
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