Türkiye condemns terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir targeting tourists

The Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, where gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, killing at least 26 people and injuring many others.

In a written statement released Tuesday, the ministry said, “We are deeply saddened to learn that many people lost their lives and many others were injured in a terrorist attack which targeted civilians in Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir today (22 April).”

“We condemn this heinous attack. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement noted.

Global outrage after deadliest civilian attack since 2000

According to Indian authorities, the attack marks the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in nearly two decades.

The gunmen, reported to have emerged from nearby forests, used automatic weapons to fire on tourists visiting a popular meadow near Pahalgam.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the attack as a “heinous act” and vowed justice, cutting short a state visit to Saudi Arabia to return to New Delhi. “Their evil agenda will never succeed,” Modi said.

United Nations and EU leaders condemn attack

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assault, calling it “unacceptable.”

A statement from the U.N. Spokesperson’s Office noted, “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the armed attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also voiced her condemnation on social media, stating, “Today’s cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam stole the lives of many innocent people. I offer my deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all Indian hearts in mourning.”

The vile terror attack in Pahalgam today stole so many innocent lives.

My deepest condolences to @narendramodi and every Indian heart grieving today.

Yet I know that India’s spirit is unbreakable.

You will stand strong in this ordeal.

And Europe will stand with you.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 22, 2025

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas added, “The EU maintains a firm stance against terrorism.”

I condemn today’s heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed many innocent lives.

Our deep condolences go to the victims, their families and the people of India.

The EU stands firm against terrorism.

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) April 22, 2025

United States reaffirms support for India

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern on Truth Social, stating, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. 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. Our hearts are with you all!”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated this stance during a briefing, confirming that the U.S. condemns the attack and stands in solidarity with India.

International travel and security measures intensify

Following the attack, Indian authorities initiated a large-scale manhunt for the assailants. Security forces have been deployed heavily throughout the region.

The Indian Army reported two militants killed in a separate firefight at the Baramulla border area.

Meanwhile, Air India announced additional flights from Srinagar to accommodate tourists urgently departing the region. Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasized that fare levels would remain stable to prevent undue burden during the evacuation.

Rising tensions in a historically disputed region

Kashmir has been the center of a long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, with both nations claiming the region in full but controlling different parts.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. China also holds a small sliver of Kashmir.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars—in 1948, 1965, and 1971—two of them over Kashmir.

Also, in the Siachen glacier in northern Kashmir, Indian and Pakistani troops have fought intermittently since 1984. A cease-fire came into effect in 2003.

In August 2019, India scrapped the long-standing semi-autonomous status of the disputed valley, a controversial move that prompted Islamabad to downgrade its diplomatic mission and halt trade with New Delhi.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence or unification with neighboring Pakistan.

According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.