US Congress unites against Pulwama terror attack

The US Congress has extended its united support for India in the wake of the ghastly Pulwama attack, which has claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Infuriated to hear about the #KashmirTerrorAttack in India today - one of the deadliest in the region since 1989. I unequivocally condemn this brutal terrorist attack and am keeping the victims and their families in my prayers," Democrat Senator Bob Menendez tweeted right after the attack on Thursday.

"The United States stands with our partner India as it recovers from a terrorist bombing in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed and its state sponsors must face consequences for this attack," Republican Senator Tim Cotton from Arkansas put forth.

2020 Presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard also denounced the incident and tweeted, "We stand with the people of India in condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, and send our condolences and prayers to the victims families. We must all stand up against these jihadists and their ideology. #KashmirTerrorAttack".

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal further condemned the incident while tweeting, "Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of heinous terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir today. We must confront terror and defeat it, wherever it occurs. #KashmirTerrorAttack".

"I condemn the terrorist attack in Pulwama in the strongest terms, and I send my heartfelt condolences to the victims of this attack and all those touched by it. We must all stand united against terrorism," Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi tweeted.

The United States has told Pakistan to cease providing a safe haven and support to terrorist organisations on its soil, while extending its support to India. Washington also issued a travel advisory to its citizens from travelling to Pakistan due to terrorism, explicitly asking them not to visit Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives when their bus - which had 42 personnel on board - was targeted by a suicide bomber on Thursday. Their bus was part of 78 vehicle convoy which was transporting 2,500 personnel from Jammu to Srinagar when the terrorist attack took place. JeM has since taken responsibility for the attack.

The international community has taken a stand against terrorism following Thursday's heinous incident on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.