WASHINGTON: The United States is closely monitoring the fast-developing situation between India and Pakistan following the recent deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, said State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Bruce began by condemning the violence that left 27 people dead and several injured. “As President Trump and Secretary [of State] Rubio have made clear, the United States stands with India,” she said. “We strongly condemn all acts of terrorism.”
Bruce reiterated the U.S. government’s call for accountability, urging that “the perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice.”
In response to a journalist’s question about India’s accusations that Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam attack, Bruce avoided taking a definitive stance, emphasizing instead the gravity of the unfolding situation. “This is a horrible situation,” she said. “But this will be the extent of our comments for now.”
She added that the U.S. was closely following developments: “It is a rapidly changing situation, and we are monitoring it closely, as you might imagine.”
Regarding the broader political implications, Bruce reaffirmed that Washington was maintaining its longstanding neutral position. “We are not taking a position on the status of Kashmir or Jammu at this time,” she stated.
Her comments come amid rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, particularly after the Pahalgam attack, the deadliest incident targeting civilians in the disputed region in nearly two decades.