Gunmen shot and killed at least 26 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir in what police described as a terror attack by militants. Most of the victims were Indian tourists, and dozens more were wounded in the attack, which took place at Baisaran meadow near the town of Pahalgam. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but police and soldiers were searching for the attackers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi in response to the attack. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump both expressed condolences and support for India in the face of terrorism. Other global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also condemned the attack.
The region of Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan, has seen increased tensions and violence following India’s decision to end the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019. Despite ongoing conflict, tourists have largely been spared from violence in Kashmir, which has been promoted by New Delhi as a sign of normalcy returning to the region.
The attack on tourists marks a major escalation in violence in Kashmir, where militants have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths over the years, and the region remains a hotspot of tension between India and Pakistan.
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