The famous tourist area of Pahalgam in Kashmir witnessed a horrific tragedy, where at least 26 tourists were killed and 36 others, including critical cases, were injured in a bloody attack carried out by four militants on crowds of visitors.
This attack, described by Indian officials as the most violent against civilians in recent years, took place at a site frequented by thousands of tourists every summer to enjoy the stunning nature, turning into a scene of bloodshed and terror.
Reports conflicted about the number of casualties in the early hours, with different security sources mentioning numbers ranging from 20 to 26 dead before settling on the higher figure, as reported by the "Associated Press" based on high-ranking police officers.
The attack, where firearms were used indiscriminately, occurred relatively close to the tourist gathering, resulting in this massacre.
While the nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed yet, an unknown armed group claimed responsibility for the operation through a post on social media, without providing further details about its motives or identity.
Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, commented on the incident, stating that the attack is much larger than previous assaults on civilians in the region in recent years, confirming that authorities are still working to determine the final number of victims.
On the political side, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deep concern and announced his immediate visit to Kashmir to hold an urgent security meeting to discuss the repercussions of the attack and enhance security measures.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump was briefed on the details of the incident, considering it a "barbaric and terrorist attack," as stated by a White House spokesperson.
Later, Trump, through an official statement, expressed his full support for India in pursuing those responsible for this "heinous act" and bringing them to justice.
The attack has reignited fears of renewed violence in Kashmir, sparking a wave of regional and international condemnation, while local authorities continue their investigation amid a state of shock and sadness prevailing in the region.