More than 20 tourists killed by gunmen in 'terror attack' in Kashmir, India

More than 20 tourists were killed on Tuesday and dozens more were injured by militant gunmen in the Kashmir region of India, in what Indian officials have labeled a "terror attack." 

The exact death count is not clear so far, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the incident is the largest attack "directed at civilians" that the region has seen in years. 

"I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination," he wrote in a post on X. "The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased."

The attack occurred just a few miles outside of the town of Pahalgam in the Baisaran Valley, according to the New York Times, which has claimed that at least 24 people are dead. The area is only accessible by horseback or on foot. It is not clear how many militants were allegedly involved.

The incident also occurred during Vice President JD Vance's four-day visit to the country, as the U.S. and India discuss a bilateral trade agreement. But the vice president was not in the region at the time of the attack. 

President Donald Trump responded to the attack in a post on Truth Social, pledging support for the Asian country.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir," the president wrote. "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 [Narendra] Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!"

Modi is expected to return from a trip to Saudi Arabia early.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.