Washington, DC [US], April 23 (ANI): The US condemned the terrorist attack against tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday and continues to monitor reports regarding the attack, the US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday.

In a statement to ANI, the US State Department spokesperson said that the US at this time is unaware of any US citizens who are victims of the attack.

The US State Department said, 'We are monitoring reports of a deadly attack against tourists in Kashmir. The United States condemns terrorism unequivocally. At this time, we are unaware of any US citizens who are victims of the attack.'

The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department has called for holding the perpetrators accountable.

'The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Nothing can justify such a heinous act killing tourists and civilians. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable,' the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department posted on X.

https://x.com/state_sca/status/1914738282535043081

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz called the attack in Pahalgam a 'terrible tragedy.' He made the statement in response to the post shared by US President Donald Trump on terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

In a post on X, Waltz stated, 'A terrible tragedy. Please join me in praying for the victims and their families.'

https://x.com/MikeWaltz47/status/1914732733747577033

Earlier, US President Donald Trump condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with India.

Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, '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!' he added.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump will speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam to express his condolences for those who lost their lives and offer support to India.

While addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt stated that Trump has been briefed by the National Security Advisor regarding the attack at a popular tourist spot in South Kashmir.

On the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Leavitt stated, 'With regards to the terrorist attack that took place in India earlier today, the President has been briefed by the National Security Advisor and he's being kept up to speed as more facts are learned. What we know already is that dozens were killed and even more were injured in a brutal terrorist attack in a popular tourist location in South Kashmir. President Trump will be speaking with Prime Minister Modi as soon as he possibly can to express his heartfelt condolences for those lost and our prayers are with those injured and our nation's support for our ally India.'

'These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability in the world continue our mission. We'll give you a readout of that call later this afternoon,' she added.

Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies on Tuesday. In the evening, the Home Minister reached Srinagar for the security review meeting. Amit Shah also briefed PM Modi about the incident.

'Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences. Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing,' the Home Minister said in a post on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed the Union Home Minister over the Pahalgam terrorist attack. LG Manoj Sinha and other high-level officials were also present at the meeting. The Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack.

Candle marches were organised at several places in Jammu and Kashmir by local people against the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. (ANI)